Vatican City (AsiaNews) – “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, made public today.
“The theme chosen by the Holy Father – Msgr.Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for social communications, affirms – invites 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 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.