Pope Benedict reflects on the development of new languages

Pope Benedict today underlined the urgency of reflecting on the development of new languages. He was speaking to the participants of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications who are attending their plenary assembly.

The Pontifical Council for Social Communications plenary assembly got underway on Monday looking at the way in which new digital technologies, such as the internet and social networking have created a new language - one which children are often teaching to their parents and grandparents. And it was the subject of language Pope Benedict dwelt on when he met members of the Assembly in the Clementine Hall.

He told those gathered that language was not just “a temporary coating and interchangeable concepts, but it was the context in which living and pulsating thoughts, concerns and projects are born in the consciences of men and women and are shaped into gestures, symbols and words.”

When people share information, the Pope said they are already sharing themselves and their world view: they become "witnesses" of what gives meaning to their existence.

During his speech the Holy Father underlined the urgency of reflecting on the development of new languages.

The starting point the Pope added was revelation, “the same revelation, which testifies to how God has communicated his wonders through language and through the experiences of men and women”.

In this context, Pope Benedict said, it was important that the Pontifical Council for Social Communications work to deepen digital literacy, stimulate and support reflection to a greater awareness of the challenges facing the church and civil society. Listen