The Pope’s Warning on Social Media and the Importance of Education

Recently, Pope Francis met with students at two Vatican institutions, where he issued a warning about the dangers of social media and the importance of accurate research and knowledge. As reported by Lisa Zengarini, the Pope emphasized the need to protect oneself from the negative influence of toxic information that can be prevalent in the digital world.

Celebrating Milestones

The Vatican School of Paleography, Diplomatic and Archival Studies and the Vatican School of Library Science were celebrating their 140th and 90th anniversaries respectively. In his address to the students and teachers, Pope Francis commended their work in shaping individuals who seek the truth through meticulous research.

Challenges of the Modern World

While praising the institutions for their accomplishments, the Pope also urged them to tackle the cultural challenges of today’s society. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, dialogue, and safeguarding against harmful information. Pope Francis encouraged both students and teachers to remain open to discussion and avoid self-referentiality.

Paving the Way for the Future

The Pope called for a balance between cherishing the tradition of the past and embracing the innovations of the future. He highlighted the practical approach to research that the Vatican schools have maintained since their inception and urged them to continue on this path.

Looking Ahead

To commemorate the anniversaries, a conference featuring Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Mgr. Angelo Vincenzo Zani has been organized at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. The event will discuss the history and future prospects of these esteemed educational institutions.