(30 Oct 07 - RV ) “The media: at the Crossroads between activism and service. Seeking
the Truth in order to share it with others”; this is the theme chosen by Pope Benedict
XVI for the 2008 World Day for social communications.
In a statement released
Tuesday morning, the president of the Pontifical Council for social communications,
Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli affirms that in choosing this theme the Holy Father
is inviting us to "reflect on the media’s role, above all in relation to the risk
that it is becoming self referent and no longer an instrument at the service of the
truth. A truth concludes Archbishop Celli that must be sought out and shared".
The
World Day for Social Communications is the only world day to have been established
by the Second Vatican Council,("Inter Mirifica", 1963), and is celebrated across the
globe on the Sunday before Pentecost (May 4th 2008).
The full text
of the Papal message for World Day for Social Communications is traditionally published
on January 24th, feats day of Saint Frances di Sales, patron saint of journalists.
Giovanni
Maria Vian, the newly appointed editor in-chief of the Vatican Daily Osservatore Romano
describes Pope Benedict XVI’s theme for the 42nd World Day for Social Communications
as “difficult but opportune”. Hear More: