Pope on the Digital World

Sister Julie pointed out that the Vatican has released the Pope's message for World Communication Day (which actually isn't until May).

The message - "New Technologies, New Relationships, Promoting a Cutlure of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship" - is fairly brief and worth a read if you're a person of faith who spends time on the internets.

The new digital technologies are, indeed, bringing about fundamental shifts in patterns of communication and human relationships ... I am conscious of those who constitute the so-called digital generation and I would like to share with them, in particular, some ideas concerning the extraordinary potential of the new technologies, if they are used to promote human understanding and solidarity. ...

I would encourage all people of good will who are active in the emerging environment of digital communication to commit themselves to promoting a culture of respect, dialogue and friendship. ...

It falls, in particular, to young people, who have an almost spontaneous affinity for the new means of communication, to take on the responsibility for the evangelization of this "digital continent". Be sure to announce the Gospel to your contemporaries with enthusiasm. ... Human hearts are yearning for a world where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion.