WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY 2004: "MEDIA IN THE FAMILY"

VATICAN CITY, SEP 29, 2003 (VIS) - The theme chosen by Pope John Paul II for the 2004 World Communications Day was announced today: "The Media in the Family: A Risk and a Richness." The Pope's full Message for this day is traditionally published on the January 24 feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers. In 2004, World Communications Day falls on May 23.

A note today from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, the office that customarily communicates both the annual theme and papal Message, stated that "for the first time, the announcement of the theme was made on September 29, the feast of the Archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, the last of whom has been designated the patron saint of radio."

Archbishop John Foley, council president, said in the communique that the theme chosen "reflects the Holy Father's concern that the media should enrich family life and not damage it. ... He is aware of the many periodicals and programs of excellence which help to educate and inspire families, but he is also concerned about the negative influences of the media on family life through materialism and even the depiction of pornography and violence."

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