November 18, 2010. The Vatican summoned experts worldwide to study how mass communication is changing present-day culture. The topic was discussed in a summit spearheaded by the Pontifical Council for Culture, which analyzed the effects of communication through the internet, cinema and even food. The president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Cardinal-elect Gianfranco Ravasi, said that fast food is the negation of dialogue through food.


The meeting was called to examine current cultural trends that have the possibility of helping to promote the Catholic faith.

Manuelita Nuñez
Panama Episcopal Conference
“This is an assembly that is quite different than those of the past and has brought about totally different methods of presenting themes. We have been used to hearing everyone's speech after the discussion. Now no, now they are more like testimonies. Themes like language, cinema and music have been addressed.”

Roberto Mendez Martinez
Cultural Center of the “Dulce Maria Loynaz” Havana (Cuba)
“You have to remember that for a few years now, avant-garde artists gave the impression that they were going towards one field and pastoral cultural and religious art was going towards a completely different one. I believe that they are overcoming many misunderstandings and the language used in this plenary session is very new and very active, even controversial.”

During this conference, Benedict XVI said that communication is vital for today's society and the  Vatican and so the Church and its followers should not be indifferent towards this phenomenon.

Benedict XVI
“In listening to the voices of the globalized world, we realize that there is a profound cultural transformation underway, with new languages and new forms of communication that favor even new problematic anthropological models.”

The Pope emphasized that new technology, like information networks, can cause young people to isolate themselves from society.

The Pontifical Council for Culture was created by Pope John Paul II as a way to promote dialogue between who do not believe in God.

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