Meeting with the Press (25 February 1981)

On Wednesday, 25 February 1981, the Holy  Father met with representatives of the Press, to whom he gave “a word of encouragement to keep your ideals high: not sensationalism, not domination of public opinion, not manipulation of people's attitudes, not power through greed of power.”

Dear friends, 

It is very significant for me to be able to address a word of friendship here in Hiroshima to each of you as the end of my pastoral visit to the Far East approaches. First of all, I thank you for the patience, interest and generosity you have shown throughout this journey. Especially for your patience when I was late with my schedule! I am very grateful to you and all those you represent. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to address you a word of solidarity for your daily work and a word of encouragement to keep your ideals high: not sensationalism, not domination of public opinion, not manipulation of people's attitudes, not power through greed of power. But rather: truth and love placed at the service of the individual human being and directed towards the creation of a global community in which you and your children - and everyone's children - can live in dignity and experience the meaning of hope. 

In today's world you truly have in your hands the tools of immense and grandiose power. But always remember: this power belongs to the people. Like all created things, it is universal in purpose and is intended for the good of all. You are, therefore, at the service of the power of the people and their well-being. 

Yours is actually a great call, a splendid mission; however, it requires honest dedication that must be continually renewed, as well as assiduous responsibility towards people. And so I ask you to continue to generously direct your efforts to the cause of the people, to the improvement of society, to the promotion of the unity of the entire human family. Try to ensure that your words, your images, your programs succeed in creating a more intense unity between all human beings, the sons and daughters of the same Father who is in Heaven, because, according to the words of Paul VI , "if communication is not already a communion in itself, it can become a privileged path" (Paul VI, Message for the World Day of Social Communications , 25 March 1971:Teachings of Paul VI , IX (1971) 463). 

My dear traveling companions, we have traveled many miles together. I have reserved for you tiring days and little rest. To each of you – correspondents, photographers, radio and television technicians – I can simply say: I thank you and I hope to meet you again! 

In the meantime, may God bless you and watch over you, and as you return home to your loved ones may you experience within your families the love and unity and communication of joy and hope that you are trying to spread throughout the world! Thank you again. 

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