Pope Francis invites members of the communications media to go beyond their computer screens and office cubicles, and to “come and see” reality for themselves.
In a message for the 55th World Communications Day, he says to “'come and see' is the simplest method” to get to know and communicate the reality of a situation. It's an idea he's shared with journalists in the past.
POPE FRANCIS
September 23, 2019
“Communication needs real words in the midst of so many empty words. In this, you have a great responsibility: your words tell the story of the world and shape it. Your stories can generate spaces of freedom or slavery, of responsibility or dependence on power.”
In his message, the pope also thanks journalists, camera operators, editors and directors for their courage, saying that their work “calls for an ability to go where no one else thinks of going: a readiness to set out and a desire to see. Curiosity, openness, passion.”
Pope Francis also points out, as he has in the past, the opportunities for good presented by the internet and social media, as long as they are used responsibly.
POPE FRANCIS
September 23, 2019
“In the age of the web, the task of the journalist is to identify credible sources, and to contextualize, interpret and prioritize them.”
“The challenge that awaits us,” he says, “is to communicate by encountering people, where they are and as they are.”
CT
