Celtic Letter E
See
Pope
Benedict XVI recognizes “the enormous power of the media to inform the
minds of individuals and to shape their thinking. “ (Address to the
Pontifical Council for Social Communications, March 2006). He speaks of
the “extraordinary potential” of contemporary mass media: “Without
their contribution it would truly be difficult to foster and strengthen
understanding between nations, to breathe life into peace dialogues
around the globe, to guarantee the primary good of access to
information, while at the same time ensuring the free circulation of
ideas, especially those promoting the ideals of solidarity and social
justice.” (Message to the 42nd World Communications Day)Now, as the Pope visits the United States, is an ideal time to review some of his writings on media and to understand the Catholic Church’s position on the social responsibility of public communication, which is completely consistent with the responsibilities stated in all American media professional codes.
- Ethics in Communications, Pontifical Council
- Inter Mirifica
- Apostolic Letter to Those Responsible for Communications
- Ethics in Advertising
NOTE: This resource is currently under development. There are many more Church documents on communications which will be added. Please check back. Please e-mail Don McKenna with any suggestions for additional references.
Department of Communication, Seton Hall University