Use the media to transmit the Word of God, says Holy Father

Rome, Italy, Oct 2, 2008 / 21:32 pm

In a message sent through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Pope Benedict XVI sent greetings to the presidents of the bishops’ conferences of Europe who are meeting until October 3 in Hungary and discussing among other issues the them of “The Church and the media.”  In his message the Pope encouraged the use of the media to transmit the Word of God.

The Vatican Secretary of State said, “The Holy Father is happy to have been informed of the meeting of the presidents of the bishops’ conferences of Europe, taking place in Esztergom September 30—October 3, 2008, and he sends his cordial greetings to all those present. Since one of the first themes to be discussed is that of the relationship between the Church and the media, he encourages each one of you to make the best use possible of its opportunities and dispositions in order to disseminate the Word of God in your respective countries.”

“In this year dedicated to the Apostle St. Paul, who expressed the truth of the Gospel in accessible terms to a vast and varied audience, the ‘modern areopagos’ deserve particular attention from the pastors of the Church.”

The Pontiff also called for pastoral care for those involved in the media to help them to be more “respectful of the truth” and “of the dignity of the human person, so that their message can truly contribute to the building of the Kingdom of God on earth.  Entrusting you all to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Europe, the Holy Father cordially imparts his blessing,” the letter closes.