Vatican City, Dec 18, 2008 / 10:12 am

For the celebration of Vatican Television’s 25th anniversary, the Holy Father met with the station’s staff, contributors and advisors.  After thanking them for their service to the Church, Pope Benedict emphasized that new ways must be found to spread the Word of God to the youth in places where they look for answers and meaning for their lives.

 

In his address to them, Benedict XVI noted that thanks to their work, the faithful are able to “participate in ceremonies and events of the Vatican and the other places visited by the Pope in carrying out his ministry." 

 

While Vatican Television (CTV) reaches many Catholics, people from other religions also tune in.  The Holy Father noted that by offering footage of events at the Vatican to major international television stations, “you assist the proper and timely dissemination of information on life and the teaching of the Church in today's world, at the service of the dignity of the human being, of justice, and of dialogue and peace."

 

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The Pontiff also praised CTV’s footage of liturgical ceremonies, noting that covering these events is important as the “liturgy is truly the apex of the Church's life, the time and place of a profound relationship with God.”

 

Broadcasting these Liturgies “is an arduous and noble task,” he continued.  Though viewers are unable to be physically present, they are able to participate spiritually when they watch TV.

 

The work of CTV is necessary because the Church’s message must remain present “within the ‘great Areopagus’ of the mass media, as John Paul II said.”  The Church cannot be “a foreigner to the places where a great many youth navigate in search of answers and meaning for their lives, you have to seek paths to spread, in new ways, the voices and images of hope through the electronic network that envelops our planet in an increasingly encompassing web."

 

Concluding his address, the Pope exhorted the CTV employees to “carry on” and reminded them that it is through their work that “many people can feel closer to the heart of the Church.”