“Catholic journalists should be guided not by despair and negativity, but by a commitment to sharing the beauty of the human person”, His Holiness Pope Francis told a group of media students Nov.9. His Holiness Pope Francis spoke during a meeting with around 340 faculty and students of the Institute for the Promotion of Young Journalists (IFP), a Catholic journalism school located in Munich, Germany. The audience took place for the institute’s 50th anniversary.
As reported by mattersindia.com, His Holiness Pope Francis remarked that “How easy it is to be carried away by common opinion, by defeatism and by a pessimism that paralyzes and blinds! Christian journalists, on the other hand, are distinguished by your positive attitude towards the person and your professional ethics. You do not just do a job, but fulfill an assignment and a commitment.” We ask for parresia,” the pope said, referencing a Greek rhetorical term which means to speak boldly and candidly, adding: “We ask for the frankness that comes from the Holy Spirit and that helps us to trust in the truth of Christ that makes us free.”
The Pontiff urged Christian journalists to go beyond the “wall of sadness and resignation” to help people open their eyes and ears, and to open their hearts to others; recognizing that they have a responsibility toward others, who are daughters and sons of the same Father.
