Rome, Italy, Sep 30, 2010 / 03:05 am
For World Communications Day 2011, Pope Benedict will emphasize that truth and authentic human experience must remain at the core of communication even in the digital age. Although technology might change the means of communication, the truth "must remain the firm and unchanging point of reference of new media and the digital world."
The theme of "Truth, proclamation and authenticity of life in the digital age" was chosen by the Holy Father for the 45th World Communications Day to be celebrated next year. A statement from the Holy See's Press Office explained that this theme "is to be understood as focusing on the human person who is at the heart of all communicative processes.
"Even in an age that is largely dominated, and at times conditioned, by new technologies, the value of personal witness remains essential," the statement continues. "To approach the truth and to take on the task of sharing it requires the 'guarantee' of an authenticity of life from those who work in the media, and especially from Catholic journalists; an authenticity of life that is no less required in a digital age."
The statement highlighted that "(t)echnology, on its own, cannot establish or enhance a communicator’s credibility, nor can it serve as a source of the values which guide communication. The truth must remain the firm and unchanging point of reference of new media and the digital world, opening up new horizons of information and knowledge."
Pursuing the truth, the statement concluded, is ideally the "fundamental objective of all those who work in the media."
On the feast of the patron of journalists, St. Francis de Sales, on Jan. 24 of next year, the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's message for World Communications Day 2011 will be released.