Pope Francis has denounced the “snake tactics” of those who spread fake news, saying the first case of misinformation is in the Bible when Eve is tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit.
The episode showed the “dire consequences” that fake news can have, the Pope warned in a document.
Francis also said it led only to the spread of arrogance and hatred.
He urged social media users and journalists to unmask manipulative tactics that foment division.
The document The Truth Will Set You Free – Fake News and Journalism for Peace was issued ahead of the Catholic Church’s World Communications Day on 13 May, and it was the first time the Pope has written on the topic.
It comes amid a debate on ways to contain the spread of fake news on social media platforms and how it may have influenced recent elections, including in the US in 2016.
“Spreading fake news can serve to advance specific goals, influence political decisions, and serve economic interests,” the Pope said.
Comparing it to the serpent’s message of temptation in the Bible, he added: “We need to unmask what could be called the ‘snake tactics’ used by those who disguise themselves in order to strike at any time and place.”
He called for “education for truth” that would teach people how to discern, evaluate and understand information.
Additionally, he said the role of journalists – whom he called “the protectors of news” – was “not just a job, it is a mission”.
He said they should focus less on breaking news and more on “exploring the underlying causes of conflicts”.
Source: BBC
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The Pope is actually saying that the serpent (Satan) created a false news, i.e. "You shall not surely die,.., you will be like God.." The consequence of that false 'news' led to chaos that exists in our world today. So the advice he's giving is that, journalist should not create false news because it has dire consequences. The Pope is not disputing the Genesis account in this story!
The Pope is actually saying that the serpent (Satan) created a false news, i.e. "You shall not surely die,.., you will be like God.." The consequence of that false 'news' led to chaos that exists in our world today. So the advice he's giving is that, journalist should not create false news because it has dire consequences. The Pope is not disputing the Genesis account in this story!
Thanks for informing Rich. He clearly did not understand the story.
The headline of this publication is misleading to the actual content or what the Pop said. @Rich, you misunderstood what the pope meant.
Hmmmm.... I've been thinking about this since my first bible story book. What relationship exist between man and snake. Yoooooo.... No more comments