Sunday May 24th. 2009

 

doubt that the lives of all

of us have been changed

mostly for the better by

"digital technology" in all

its forms: mobile phones,

computers and the

This new technology is the

subject of Pope Benedict

XVI's Message for

Communications Sunday 2009. In his

message, entitled "New

Technologies, New Relationships:

Promoting a culture of Respect,

Dialogue and Friendship" Pope

Benedict is very positive about these

developments recognising that they permit the almost instantaneous

communication of words and images across enormous distances and

He calls this new technology a "gift to humanity", a gift which needs

to be put at the service of every person and community, a gift which

needs to contribute to human development and genuine social

progress, especially in bringing solidarity, education and new

Young people and even children have sensed the potential of digital

technology. Adults often look on in wonder and no little envy at their

children's easy mastery of seemingly complex technology. The Pope

refers to these young people as the "digital generation" and his

Yet with opportunities, come dangers. What parent has not wondered

what their child is doing on the internet? What material are they

accessing? Who are they talking to in social networking sites? Is

someone intimidating or bullying their child by nasty or vicious text

messages? As we know only too well, adults too are sadly not immune

Pope Benedict is aware of this too. He warns: "It is important to focus

not just on technology's undoubted capacity to foster contact between

people, but on the quality of the content that is put into circulation

using these means. 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

On the matter of respect the Pope rightly warns against the misuse

of language and images. We should always avoid the sharing of words

and images that are degrading of human beings, that promote hatred

 In dialogue with others we need to be wary of the inane chatter that

can go on in the digital world which does nothing to promote growth in

 When it comes to friendship it would be profoundly sad, if, in the

Pope's words; "our desire to sustain and develop on-line friendships

were to be at the cost of our availability to engage with our families,

our neighbours and those we meet in the daily reality of our places of

work, education and recreation." The fact that we can instantly

communicate doesn't mean that we must. We should avoid an obsessive

need for virtual connectedness and develop primary human

relationships, pursuing true friendship.  In particular the Pope asks

young people, the digital generation, to take on responsibility for the

evangelisation of the "digital continent", sharing with other young

people the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all people. The

Pope invites young people to be the heralds of the good use of digital

technology!

 Here in Scotland the Church has been quick to embrace new

technology to transmit its message to the new generation. The website

of our National Media Office www.scmo.org contains news releases

and briefings on the work of the Church as well as audio and video

content. What's more, each diocese and many parishes have their own

website offering information and detail never before available, free of

 From today, I am delighted to announce that our Media Office website

will also include video content from the Vatican's new "You Tube"

 Lastly, I appeal to you to remember the great work which our small but

dedicated team of Catholic communicators do in Scotland and ask you

to be generous in supporting this Communications Sunday collection in

order to help the Church strive to uphold the truths we hold dear in the

President of the National Communications Committee

A letter  from Bishop Tartalgia, President of the  National Communications Commission