Pope Francis: Internet is a gift from God

For all its quirks, the Internet is a gift from God and should be used wisely and not abused, Pope Francis said Friday in a message marking the Catholic Church's World Communications Day.

 

But the Pope in his message also acknowledged the speed of social networks may affect 

reflection and judgement.

 

"The internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity.  This is something truly good, a gift from God," he said.

 

He added media "can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of the unity of the human family which can in turn inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all."

 

Pope Francis pointed out the internet can promote good communication that "helps us to grow closer, to know one another better, and ultimately, to grow in unity."

 

"The walls which divide us can be broken down only if we are prepared to listen and learn from one another.  We need to resolve our differences through forms of dialogue which help us grow in understanding and mutual respect.  A culture of encounter demands that we be ready not only to give, but also to receive.  Media can help us greatly in this, especially nowadays, when the networks of human communication have made unprecedented advances," he said.

 

However, the Pope also acknowledged  certain problems do exist, noting the speed with which information is communicated "exceeds our capacity for reflection and judgement, and this does not make for more balanced and proper forms of self-expression."

 

"The variety of opinions being aired can be seen as helpful, but it also enables people to barricade themselves behind sources of information which only confirm their own wishes and ideas, or political and economic interests," he said. 

 

"The world of communications can help us either to expand our knowledge or to lose our bearings.  The desire for digital connectivity can have the effect of isolating us from our neighbours, from those closest to us.  We should not overlook the fact that those who for whatever reason lack access to social media run the risk of being left behind," he added.

 

Despite such issues, he said there is little reason to reject social media, adding these things "remind us that communication is ultimately a human rather than technological achievement."

 

To grow in humanity and mutual understanding in the digital environment, the Pope said people need to recover a certain sense of deliberateness and calm. 

 

"This calls for time and the ability to be silent and to listen.  We need also to be patient if we want to understand those who are different from us.  People only express themselves fully when they are not merely tolerated, but know that they are truly accepted.  If we are genuinely attentive in listening to others, we will learn to look at the world with different eyes and come to appreciate the richness of human experience as manifested in different cultures and traditions," he said. 

 

"We will also learn to appreciate more fully the important values inspired by Christianity, such as the vision of the human person, the nature of marriage and the family, the proper distinction between the religious and political spheres, the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, and many others," he added.

 

Meanwhile, the Pope called for true effective Christian witness, which he said is "not about bombarding people with religious messages, but about our willingness to be available to others 'by patiently and respectfully engaging their questions and their doubts as they advance in their search for the truth and the meaning of human existence.'”

 

"Engaging in dialogue does not mean renouncing our own ideas and traditions, but the claim that they alone are valid or absolute," he said. — TJD, GMA News