Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “Correct me if I make a mistake” (“Se mi sbaglio mi corrigerete”). This was famous phrase spoken by Cardinal Wojtyla, minutes after being elected Pope John Paul II, on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on October 16, 1978, and from that moment he entered the hearts of the faithful and the entire world. Now, this quote from the Pope has become the title of a book written by journalist Elisabetta Lo Iacono, published by OCD, and presented in a Symposium on “The Mass Media and the New Humanism,” organized by the Pontifical Theological Faculty - St. Bonaventure (Seraphicum). The publication presents an overview of the 26 years of John Paul II’s Pontificate from a communications standpoint, on the close relationship that the Pope maintained with the mass media and the youth.
In the book’s Preface, the author defines the Pope as a “media phenomena, a perpetual object of attention, capable of attracting the world’s gaze.” As was recalled during the gathering, John Paul II did not seek an exclusive dialogue with the laity, but rather with all people - with the contemporary society - aware that in order to transmit his message, he had to mingle with all classes of people. He met with some 700 journalists, with whom he spent several hours, just days after his election as Pontiff: a sign not only of the value that the Pope saw in the mass media, but also a willingness to openly confront the public eye without barriers, accepting questions and challenging remarks.
The role that the Pope gave the mass media is evident in the Message he issued on the occasion of the 37th Day for Social Communications, in 2003, entitled: “The media serve freedom by serving truth.” And John Paul II had a spontaneous yet precise manner in using his capacities. The relationship with that world that he wished to know in an intimate manner was certainly formed, in a privileged way during his travels, to the extent that he was even accused of being excessive. However, it was necessary that he enter and understand the globalized world and address all classes of society. Thus, in each trip that the Pope went on, he fostered this relationship, even in the midst of the diverse speeches he gave depending on the social reality he was presented.
Exceptional as well was the incessant interreligious dialogue established by Pope John Paul II, convinced that the diversity of forms in which man is drawn towards God always holds the same dignity. Central themes in the Pope’s teachings were the defense of human rights, repentance for errors committed by the Church in the past, and the value of the woman and her role. John Paul II was able to enter into the modern world and be a testimony to his own message. The last sign of this powerful testimony is the crowd - some 4 million people - that paid their respects with a final farewell to his mortal remains. The Popes have always maintained a privileged rapport with the communications media: from letters to telegrams, from radio to television, however the Church can still continue growing in this relationship. (PC) (Agenzia Fides 16/5/2008; righe 39, parole 527)
