” ““To encourage both a constructive presence and a positive perception of mass-media by society”, Benedict XVI highlights three points, “education, involvement and dialogue” which had already been identified by John Paul II. “Educating people to a responsible and critical exploitation of mass media helps them use them in an intelligent and appropriate way”. In this connection, the Pope asked not to undrestimate “the great impact that electromic media have in generating a new vocabulary and images that enter so easily into society”. “Just because today’s mass media shape people’s culture reads the Message they have to overcome any temptation to manipulate, especially the young, and try instead to educate and serve. In this way, mass media can guarantee the accomplishment of a civil society worthy of human beings, rather than break it up”. The second point is “involvement in mass media”. As a public service, “social communication demands a spirit of cooperation and joint responsibility, with great attention to the use of public resources and the fulfilment of public roles, including the enforcement of regulations and other measures or facilities designed for the purpose”. Finally, “mass media must take advantage and make use of the great opportunities that are offered by the promotion of dialogue, the exchange of culture, the expression of solidarity and peace ties. In this way, they become consequential and respected resources, to build a civilisation of love, which is the ambition of all peoples”. For the full text of the Pope’s Message, log on to old.agensir.it
