Weary journalists got a pep talk from none other than Pope Francis this week, with the head of the Roman Catholic Church calling for "rediscovering the dignity of journalism" and condemning fake news.
Francis released a message Wednesday called "The truth will set you free: Fake news and journalism for peace." Armed with evidence of biblical proportions, the Pope went about defining fake news and instructing us how to recognize it and combat it.
Frankly, we could use all the help we can get in that department.
SEE ALSO:The first scientific fake news study is here to confirm your worst fears about America"Fake news is a sign of intolerant and hypersensitive attitudes, and leads only to the spread of arrogance and hatred," Pope Francis said. "That is the end result of untruth."
Pope Francis even compared fake news to the the Serpent's manipulation of Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The Pope chose to speak on this topic as one of his "world communication day" addresses. But this isn't the first time he's tackled urgent issues that are relevant to religious and secular audiences alike. Francis has previously spoken out in support of DACA, and he even issued a papal statement on climate change. His stances often run directly counter to Donald Trump's, which has led to some awkward encounters.
This recent message isn't likely to change things. Trump often rants about "fake news," but Trump's definition of "fake news" is misinformation itself: Trump has been known to call all news that criticizes him "fake news," which is in line with the public's eroding trust in journalism and lack of clarity about what is fake, and what is fact.
Tweet may have been deleted
While Francis may have waded into some well-trodden digital waters in his fake news call-to-arms, maybe the moral dimension that he's bringing to our digital moment is something that's missing.
"The economic and manipulative aims that feed disinformation are rooted in a thirst for power," the Pope says. "That is why education for truth means teaching people how to discern, evaluate and understand our deepest desires and inclinations, lest we lose sight of what is good and yield to every temptation."
"Truth is something we can lean on so as not to fall."
Let's hope so, because it's a long way down.
TopicsDonald Trump
(责任编辑：熱點)
New Zealand designer's photo series celebrates the elegance of aging
How to preorder Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition
'Quordle' today: See each 'Quordle' answer and hints for August 28, 2023
Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for September 14
Watch MTV's Video Music Awards 2016 livestreamOne thing's for sure: you're never too old to learn.
。Massachusetts woman Clare Picciuto turned 100 F
...[详细]
PRE-ORDER NOW: Meta announced its new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses at the Meta Connect Event on Sept.
...[详细]Spotify updates Tesla app with audiobooks and more
Spotify was one of the first third-party apps available for Tesla cars, but the company didn't reall
...[详细]Netflix plans to increases prices after actors' strike, report says
In news that is probably not all that surprising, Netflix may be planning a price rise in the near f
...[详细]This coloring book is here for all your relationship goals
LONDON -- We are living through the golden age of celebrity relationships. Gone are the days of tort
...[详细]Pinterest unveils AI body type tech to increase representation
Pinterest is launching a body type technology to increase representation and inclusivity on its plat
...[详细]Bumble takes stand against flakes in new Community Guidelines
Dating app Bumble — alongside Bumble for Friends and Badoo — announced updated Community
...[详细]Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for July 1
It's July. Gonna repeat that. July. While you're pondering how fast 2023 is rolling down the stairs,
...[详细]Nancy Pelosi warns colleagues after info hacked
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi warned fellow Democrats on Saturday to change their cellphone num
...[详细]McDonald's viral Grimace shake TikTok trend actually boosted sales
McDonald's execs created a hit menu item that significantly boosted sales — and there is absol
...[详细]The U.S. will no longer have the final say on internet domain names
Everything you need to know about 'Barbie'
