Pope Francis Urges Families: Learn To Talk to Each Other Again

Pope Francis is encouraging families to learn how to talk to each other again amid the proliferation of modern gadgets.

This is one message in the Pope's statement for the 49th World Day of Social Communications – "the only worldwide celebration called for the Second Vatican Council," according to Vatican Radio.

"The great challenge facing us today is to learn once again how to talk to one another, not simply how to generate and consume information. The latter is a tendency which our important and influential modern communications media can encourage," said the Pope in his statement posted online.

"Information is important, but it is not enough. All too often things get simplified, different positions and viewpoints are pitted against one another, and people are invited to take sides, rather than to see things as a whole," the Pope said.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church also described modern media as both an aid and a hindrance. "Today the modern media, which are an essential part of life for young people in particular, can be both a help and a hindrance to communication in and between families. The media can be a hindrance if they become a way to avoid listening to others, to evade physical contact, to fill up every moment of silence and rest, so that we forget that 'silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist,'" said the Pope.

"The media can help communication when they enable people to share their stories, to stay in contact with distant friends, to thank others or to seek their forgiveness, and to open the door to new encounters."

The Pope added that families with children who have disabilities can teach people about communication and inclusivity. "When it comes to the challenges of communication, families who have children with one or more disabilities have much to teach us. A motor, sensory or mental limitation can be a reason for closing in on ourselves, but it can also become, thanks to the love of parents, siblings, and friends, an incentive to openness, sharing and ready communication with all.

"It can also help schools, parishes and associations to become more welcoming and inclusive of everyone," the Pope said.