Pope Blasts “Hate Speech, Fake News” in Digital Media

Pope Francis stated on Monday that, while modern means of communication can be “a powerful means of fostering communion and dialogue within our human family,” they can also play host to “toxicity, hate speech, and fake news.”

“The use of digital media, especially social media, has raised a number of serious ethical issues that call for wise and discerning judgment on the part of communicators,” the pope said in a message to the SIGNIS lay communications network, which is holding its annual World Congress in Seoul next month.

“Communication is not just a profession, but a service to dialogue and understanding between individuals and larger communities in the pursuit of a serene and peaceful coexistence.”