Catholic Church and Mass Media
By the
Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, the Catholic Church was becoming quite
enthusiastic about the opportunities afforded by the media. Documents used
terms such as "marvelous technical inventions" (1963) and
"gifts of God" (1971). This last
quote was contained in a landmark document called Communio et Progressio
('Instruction on the means of social communication') by the Pontifical Council
for Social Communication, founded by Pope Paul VI. It is directed both at those
who work within the media and at recipients of messages through the media. The
professionals are reminded that they have a responsibility to express the
dignity of the human being and to serve truth in their productions and
publications. The document also urges Christians to help "bring to the
fore a Christian point of view on all questions that exercise people in
society" (n. 103).
The decree on Social
Communication Inter Mirifica was one of the very first two documents
promulgated by the Second Vatican Council on December 4, 1963. More than 40
years after the final promulgation by Pope Paul VI on December 4, 1963. One
might see Inter Mirifica in a different light. One has to admit that the
Council Fathers in their decision to reduce the document to its essentials but
at the same time asking for a more extensive pastoral instruction to be worked
out by professionals was a wise move. This pastoral instruction “with the help
of experts from various countries” was published as Communio et Progressio on
May 23, 1971 in order to “ensure that all the principles and rules of the
Council on the means of Social Communication be put into effect” (Inter
Mirifica, 23). This instruction which was endorsed and approved by Pope Paul VI
therefore must be considered as integral and interpretative part of the Council
Decree.
-The decree itself sees the use
of the modern means of communication as being already included in the teachings
of Jesus Christ to share the faith with all the world (Mt. 28, 18). From here
the decree states that it is the birthright of the Church to use and own these
means of communication for her pastoral activities. Such a stand has
consequences for all pastors as well as lay members of the Church (IM, 3). From
such a conviction flows the need to keep and develop the moral order within
which the media are to operate and used according to the circumstances but also
the conscience of those involved (IM, 4-5). The right to information as a moral
right and part of human dignity is confirmed; art and moral law as well as the presentation
of evil are addressed (IM, 6-7). The role of Public opinion is underlined, but also
the responsibilities of recipients, communicators and civil authorities are
mentioned (IM, 9-12).
In 2012,
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI surprised the world by joining Twitter. Behind the
scenes, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications provided instrumental
guidance for Church leadership in the use of new and popular mediums of
communication, leading the Pope himself into this new and exciting platform for
social communication. The
Pontifical Council for Social Communications is the Vatican’s department for
handling social communications, from newspaper to radio and from television to
internet. This collection provides the official writings of this dicastery,
laying a ground work for a Catholic understanding of social communication
channels and guiding the decisions of the leadership of the Catholic Church in
the use of new instruments of communication. Most importantly, the Pontifical
Council for Social Communications explores new ways in which the gospel can be
distributed through new and emerging social communication channels.
