"We must not fall prey to the 'sins of communication:' disinformation – that is, giving just one side of the argument – slander, which is sensationalistic, or defamation, looking for outdated and old things, and bringing them to light today; they are very grave sins, which damage the heart of the journalist and harm people," Francis told representatives from Catholic media outlets at a meeting in the Vatican on Saturday.
According to Newsweek, Francis went on celebrate the work of journalists as essential to democracies across the world and called on media outlets to deliver the world from misinformation."There is an urgent need for news communicated with serenity, precision, and completeness, with a calm language, so as to favor a fruitful reflection; carefully weighted and clear words, which reject the inflation of allusive, strident and ambiguous speech. It is important that, methodically and with patience, criteria of judgment and information be offered so that the public is able to understand and discern, and is not stunned and disoriented," Francis said.
The pontiff's comments reflect a growing concern over the influence inaccurate reporting incurs across the world.
In the United States, "fake news" is credited with helping Donald Trump win last year's presidential election.
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