"AN ENORMOUS POTENTIAL"

Technological advances in the media have in certain respects conquered time and space, making communication between people, even when separated by vast distances, both instantaneous and direct. This development presents an enormous potential for service of the common good and "constitutes a patrimony to safeguard and promote" (Rapid Development, 10)

NEVER NEUTRAL

To inform the consciences of individuals and help shape their thinking is never a neutral task.

"COURAGE AND RESOLVE"

Authentic communication demands principled courage and resolve. It requires a determination of those working in the media not to wilt under the weight of so much information nor even to be content with partial or provisional truths.

THE CALL TO RESPONSIBILITY

The call for today's media to be responsible to be the protagonist of truth and promoter of the peace that ensues carries with it a number of challenges.

"ACCURATE REPORTING"

Accurate reporting of events, full explanation of matters of public concern, and fair representation of diverse points of view must. . .always be fostered.

"MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE"

The need to uphold and support marriage and family life is of particular importance, precisely because it pertains to the foundation of every culture and society.

"EDIFYING MODELS"

The cooperation with parents, the social communications and entertainment industries can assist in the difficult but sublimely satisfying vocation of bringing up children, through presenting edifying models of human life and love. . .How disheartening and destructive it is to us all when the opposite occurs. Do not our hearts cry out, most especially, when our young people are subjected to debased or false expressions of love which ridicule the God-given dignity of every human person and undermine family interests?

FORMATION, PARTICIPATION, AND DIALOG

To encourage both a constructive presence and a positive perception of the media in society, I wish to reiterate the importance of three steps, identified by. . .Pope John Paul II, necessary for the service of the common good: formation, participation, and dialogue (cf. Rapid Development, 11).

"SERIOUS EFFORTS"

I am confident that serious efforts to promote these three steps will assist the media to develop soundly as a network of communication, communion, and cooperation, helping men, women, and children to become more aware of the dignity of the human person, more responsible, and more open to others especially the neediest and the weakest members of society.

(Source: Message for World Communication Day, 1/24/06)