Pope Francis met with representatives of Catholic News Service at the Vatican. The media agency has been providing news to the English-speaking world for the past 100 years.
The pope reminded them of the media's responsibility to overcome divisions rather than fuel sensationalism and scandal.
POPE FRANCIS
“I think this way. You think that way. We can discuss it, but with the same heart. Support unity. Don't favor division, because journalism has four main sins. FLASH Don't forget these four sins: disinformation, calumny, defamation and coprophilia.”
He also praised the work of the Church in the United States, calling it courageous, generous and humble.
POPE FRANCIS
“It welcomes immigrants, and what the Church does for immigrants is huge, no? It's generous, because the Church in the United States has many economic possibilities, and it gives aid generously. FLASH The Church [in the U.S.] is very alive, very very alive. There are perhaps traditionalist groups, but we have those here in the Vatican too. This can be healed.”
He also joked about his recent painful episodes of sciatica, for which the doctor recommended he cancel his attendance at several important events.
“[The doctor] said, 'But go to the Angelus so they don't say you're dead.”
After their conversation, CNS representatives gave the pope this compilation of his own prayers and the “Council Daybook,” prepared by the CNS covering the Second Vatican Council.
CT
