Angels and Demons

On this feast of Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications revealed the Pope's chosen theme for the next World Communications Day: "New Technologies, New Relationships -- Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship."

(Suffice it to say, fill in the blanks.)

Established by Paul VI in 1967 and observed each May, the full papal message for the 43rd WCD will be rolled out on 24 January, the feast of the patron of journalists, St Francis deSales.

Citing a "crossroads" moment in the world, Benedict's text for this year's celebration took issue with the exploitation of media for ideological purposes, musing on "whether it is wise to allow the instruments of social communication to be exploited for indiscriminate 'self-promotion' or to end up in the hands of those who use them to manipulate consciences.

"Should it not be a priority to ensure that they remain at the service of the person and of the common good, and that they foster 'man’s ethical formation … man’s inner growth'?" it asked.

On this feast of the archangels, here's hoping his next call to our better angels gets a better hearing.

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