Digital Peace

Pope Francis in a message to the Catholic Association for Communication sent on July 18, 2022, deplored that some digital spaces have become places of toxicity, hate speech and fake news. He acknowledged that the digital revolution is a powerful means of fostering communion and dialogue, recalling the role that digital media played during the pandemic. Indeed, during the months of lockdown due to the pandemic, we saw clearly how digital media could bring us together, not only by disseminating essential information, but also by bridging the loneliness of isolation and, in many cases, uniting whole families and ecclesial communities in prayer and worship. For the Pope, the problem raised by the digital world is a question of education. To fight against lies and misinformation, he encourages a media education that involves the development of a sound critical sense, learning to distinguish truth from falsehood, right from wrong, good from evil, and to appreciate the importance of working for justice, social concord, and respect for our common home. The Pontiff also pleads for greater digital inclusion of communities that do not yet have access to the digital space. If Catholics could work to ensure this access for all, they would help the spread of a culture of peace grounded in the truth of the Gospel. As you all know, I am doing my part by sharing these reflections on my blog, which started in Oregon in January 2012, and continued in Malta from May 2016 onwards. If each visitor would pass on my blog address to just one other person, I would double the number of visitors to this blog, which is now going uninterrupted for over 10 years.  How many blogs do you know of, that have lasted more than a couple of years? All I’m asking for is 2 minutes every day, and cherishing some worthwhile food for thought. Thank you – please come back to visit.