Pope Francis marks short-while silence in prayer (Photo : Getty images/Pacific Press)
Pope Francis denounced media organizations that focus on smears and scandals in order to promote fake news with a view to discredit people in public life.
Expanding disinformation was "probably the greatest damage that the media can do", the Pope said to the Belgian Catholic Weekly, Tertio. "It is a sin to defame people," the pontiff added.
Using electrifying words, Francis stated that journalists and the media must avoid falling into "coprophilia" - an exceptional interest in excrement, while those reading or watching such stories expose behavior like coprophagic who eat feces.
The Guardian reported that the pope excused self for applying the terminology that some might find repellent.
"I think the media have to be very clear, very transparent, and not fall into - no offence intended - the sickness of coprophilia, that is, always wanting to cover scandals, covering nasty things, even if they are true. And since people have a tendency towards the sickness of coprophagia, a lot of damage can be done," he said.
World Religions News reported that pope Francis has always been very candid about own views and shared own opinions on matters such as politics and journalism. A few months ago, pope openly called journalists as "terrorists" for extensive fear and hatred at an audience with popular figures from the media.
From the Pope's speech, it is apparent that Pope is not afraid to address issues absolutely without trying to beat around the bush.
This interview is yet another example of the pope's profound way of marking issues. Pope Francis recognizes the supremacy of the media as being a highly influential force in shaping opinions and empowering people through knowledge and information.
However, the pope expressed own disappointment that this same power has been exploited to distribute lies thereby causing extensive misery and untold suffering among people.
The monarch of the Vatican trusts that the media should be keenly transparent and honest in its functions. Pope observed that in today's world, companies and governments are constantly endeavoring to patch up scandals and crimes through media.
Furthermore, the pope stated that people who work for the media and journalists should refrain from being used by vested entities and report issues with full honesty as own will.
