Emphasizing the importance of
respect for human dignity pope Francis told journalists, Thursday, that their
profession should never be used as a destructive weapon nor used to nourish
fear.
Certainly criticism is
legitimate, and, I would add, necessary, just as is the denunciation of evil,
but this must always be done respecting the other, his life, and his affect.
Journalism cannot become a weapon of destruction of persons or Nations,” the
pope said at the Vatican Clementine hall.
Neither must it nourish fear in
front of changes or phenomena such as migration forced by war or by hunger.”
The journalist has a role of
great importance, and at the same time a great responsibility. In a certain
sense, you write the first draft of history… introducing persons to the meaning
of events.” The pope said that
journalists, when they are professional, remain a key pillar, a crucial element
for the vitality of a free and pluralistic society.
Pope Francis further reflected on
how journalism can serve for the betterment of the society in which we live. He
highlighted loving the truth, which means not only to affirm, but to live the
truth, to bear witness to it in ones work. To live and work, then, with
coherence in respect to the words that are used for an article in the paper or
a television service.
The question here is not one of
being or not being a believer. The question here is being or not being honest
with oneself and with others.,” he said.
Pope Francis noted that respect for human
dignity should be of particular importance in journalism because even behind
the simple account of an event, there are feelings, emotions, and, ultimately,
the lives of persons.
Finally he said, “ I hope that
more journalism everywhere is a tool of construction, a factor for the common
good, an accelerator of processes of reconciliation; that it may know how to
reject the temptation of stirring up confrontation, with language that lights
the flames of division, instead favoring the culture of encounter.
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