From Pope Francis, a checklist for good journalism

Vatican City, Dec 16, 2017 / 18:25 pm

Journalism must prize truth and reflection over sensationalism and clamor, Pope Francis told journalists on Saturday.

"It is important that the criteria of judgment and information are offered patiently and methodically so that ‎public opinion is able to understand and discern, and is not stunned and disoriented," the Pope said Dec. 16, according to Vatican News.

The Pope encouraged journalism that embodies "serenity, precision and completeness." It must use calm language that favors "fruitful reflection" and thoughtful, clear words that reject "clamorous and ambiguous speech."

The Pope spoke to about 350 members of the Italian Periodical Press Union and the Italian Federation of Catholic Weeklies, who met him at the Vatican.

"Your free and responsible voice is fundamental for the growth of any society that wants to be called democratic, so that a continuous exchange of ideas and a profitable debate based on real and correctly reported facts are assured," the pontiff told them.

He noted the dominance of speed and sensationalism in some reporting, which lacks precision and thoroughness. It is dominated by overheated emotions, not thoughtful reflection.

The pontiff stressed the need for reliable information, verified data and news that does not aim to amaze and excite. Rather, it creates in readers a healthy critical sense that allows them to ask appropriate questions and make justified conclusions.

"There is no need to fall into the 'sins of communications': misinformation, that is saying only a part which is calumny and which is sensational, or defamation that seeks out things past and old and bringing them to light today," said Pope Francis. "They are very grave sins that damage the heart of the journalist and damage the people."