Message on Poster • 40th World Communications Day • 28 May 2006

Theme: THE MEDIA: A NETWORK OF COMMUNICATION, COMMUNION AND COOPERATION

Champion of truth and promoter of peace - this is what today's media are called to be. To be responsible, media must not become self-serving or solely profit-driven. The need for media to uphold marriage and family life is of particular importance because it concerns the foundation of every culture and society. For the media to serve the common good, 3 steps are important.

Formation: Contemporary media shape popular culture - they must overcome any temptation to manipulate, especially the young.

Participation: Social communication requires a spirit of cooperation and co-responsibility on the use of public resources and public trust.

Dialogue: Media can become influential in building the civilisation of love. These 3 steps will help the media to develop as a network of communication, communion and cooperation.

Full version available at: http://www.vatican.va