Pope Says The Internet Is A ‘Gift from God’ Uniting Groups Of Various Faiths And Beliefs

At the Catholic Church’s World Communications Day last Thursday, Pope Francis stated that the internet is seen as a ‘gift from God’ with its ability to bring people closer together, no matter the distance, faith and belief. Also, he pointed out that the speed of social media can make it difficult for people to engage in self-reflection.

Pope Francis described the that the “unprecedented advances” in technology and digital media have made it easier to engage with people of different religions, and so “creating a sense of the unity of the human family.” The ability to communicate with a variety of groups could help solve religious, economic and political differences, he added.

“The internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity,” Francis said. “This is something truly good, a gift from God.”

He also wrote that the speed of social media can have a negative impact as well, threatening to isolate people from their friends and family and those without access to these networks are in danger of being left behind. The Pope noted that it’s also easy for people to become very dependent on the services at a high risk of becoming estranged, but he believes that the benefits of the Internet overcome the risk mentioned previously.

“While these drawbacks are real, they do not justify rejecting social media,” he added. “Rather, they remind us that communication is ultimately a human rather than technological achievement.”

He also called for Catholics to engage in more inter-religious dialogue, explaining that in doing so “does not mean renouncing our own ideas and traditions, but the claim that they alone are valid or absolute.”. Pope Francis added that the internet and social media should be used to foster real connections and relationships, calling for greater calm and tenderness.

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