“Undoubtedly, the mass media contributed to many of the great benefits of civilization – added Benedict XVI -. Just think of quality documentaries and news bulletins, or sound entertainment, ore else, interviews and debates stimulating thought. Moreover, as for the Internet, it must be duly acknowledged that it paved the way for a world of knowledge and learning, which was previously hardly accessed by many. Those contributions to the common good must be applauded and encouraged”. On the other hand, he pointed out, it is also clear that “the vast majority of what is broadcast to the houses of millions of families, all over the world, is destructive”. “Let’s strengthen our efforts to encourage everybody put one’s light on the bushel, where it should shine for everybody, at home, at school, in society”. Thus, by hinting at the contents of his message for the World Day of Social Communication, focussing on the media and the young, he invited us to educate the new generations to “beauty and good”, and to promote “the fundamental human dignity, the real values of marriage and family life, and the positive reaching of the objectives of mankind”.
