January 24, 2013. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI, who is also the first Pope on Twitter, says it's frustrating that being popular on
social networking sites, often depends on being famous, instead of value and content. In a letter, the Pope says “At times, the gentle voice of reason can be overwhelmed by the din of excessive information.”
So, he calls for sites like Facebook and Twitter, to be a space where one can promote true dialogue. He adds that this virtual world is now part of the fabric of society. It's something believers, who want to convey truth and values, can't ignore. The letter states, “Unless the Good News is made known also in the digital world, it may be absent in the experience of many people for whom this existential space is important.”
MSGR. CLAUDIO MARIA CELLI
President, Pontifical Council for Social Communications
“The issue isn't that we have to change and be commercial. Our goal isn't to spread propaganda. What we want is for you, the user of these social networks, to use it for reflection, values and truth. To give weight to what really matters, to Jesus.”
The Pope's letter was signed to mark the Feast Day of St. Francis di Sales, the patron saint of journalists. Every year, the Pope sends a message for World Day of Social Communications. This year, the topic is social networks.
His message is titled Social Networks: Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelization.
Among other things, it focuses on speaking about God through these social networks.
“Social media needs the commitment of all who are conscious of the value of dialogue, reasoned debate and logical argumentation; of people who strive to cultivate forms of discourse and expression which appeal to the noblest aspirations of those engaged in the communication process.”
So the Pope is asking users to be authentic and respectful. He also asks believers to use the virtual world to evangelize.
MSGR. CLAUDIO MARIA CELLI
President, Pontifical Council for Social Communications
“I think it could be a great task for people who have Jesus Christ in their hearts, to help out their friends in social networking sites. To listen to them, understand their challenges, to help them so they can truly find a purpose in life.”
Along with this message, the Vatican also launched a new application. It's called 'The Pope App' which includes the Pope's speeches, lives feeds from his public meetings. For now, it's only for Apple devices.
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