On Friday, Pope Francis voiced out on the issue of the use of social media as a forum for personal abuse and the increasingly aggressive nature of much political discourse.
The Pope who met Apple boss, Tim Cook the same day he published the message said “Our words and actions should be such as to help us all escape the vicious circles of condemnation and vengeance which continue to ensnare individuals and nations, encouraging expressions of hatred,” adding that digital technology and the Internet could be used to help bring people together.
In his statement, The pontiff urged politicians and people in position of power “to remain especially attentive to the way they speak of those who think or act differently or those who may have made mistakes.” emphasising that respect and love be shown to “the neighbour whom we do not see” on the cyberspace.
Pope Francis further said “It is not technology which determines whether or not communication is authentic, but rather the human heart and our capacity to use wisely the means at our disposal,” adding that “Social networks can facilitate relationships and promote the good of society, but they can also lead to further polarization and division between individuals and groups.”
The Pope concluded saying; “The digital world is a public square, a meeting-place where we can either encourage or demean one another, engage in a meaningful discussion or unfair attacks.”