A quote from Pope Francis:
"Respecting human dignity is important in any profession … because even behind the simple account of an event there are sentiments, emotions, and ultimately, people's lives. I have often spoken about gossip as 'terrorism', of how it is possible to kill someone with the tongue. This applies to individual people, in the family or at work, but even more so to journalists, because their voice can reach everyone, and this is a very powerful weapon. Journalism must always respect the dignity of the person. … Certainly, criticism is legitimate and, I would add, necessary, as is the denouncement of wrongdoing, but this must always be done with respect for the other, his life, and his affections. Journalism cannot be a weapon for the destruction of people or even populations. Nor must it fuel fears in relation to changes or phenomena such as forced migration due to war or hunger."
— Audience with National Council Order of Journalists, Sept. 22, 2016
Editor's note: We can send you a biweekly email alert with content from The Francis Chronicles. Follow the directions on our email alert signup page.
Advertisement
Advertisement
