Pope Condemns 'Fake News' as Diabolical and Criticizes Its Use in Politics

Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Catholics, condemned 'fake news' as a 'diabolical phenomenon' and stated that journalists and social media users should avoid it and expose this toxic method that sows division for economic and political purposes. According to Reuters, Pope Francis made his first official statement on this issue on Wednesday, February 4, saying: 'Fake news is a sign of intolerance and harsh confrontations and only leads to the spread of hatred and selfishness. This is the ultimate result of a lack of reality.' This official document from the Pope comes months after discussions about the impact of fake news on the U.S. presidential election and the election of Donald Trump. In another part of this document, Pope Francis writes: 'The dissemination of fake news can advance specific goals, influence political decision-making, and serve economic interests.' He condemned the targeted use of social media and other forms of communication. This document, titled 'The Truth Will Set You Free - Fake News and Journalism for Peace,' was published ahead of the World Social Communications Day of the Catholic Church, which is on May 13. In another section of this statement, the Pope writes: 'These fake news stories are believable and draw public attention by relying on existing social discriminations, fueling feelings such as anxiety, distrust, anger, and disgust among people.' The Pope adds that fake news spreads so rapidly that even its denial by credible sources cannot prevent the damage it causes, and people fall into its trap, unwittingly becoming agents of promoting and disseminating baseless ideas. He called for 'education in truth' to help people properly examine and evaluate news and thus recognize 'the falsehoods that infiltrate their minds and hearts.' Reuters adds that Pope Francis compared the issue of fake news to the story of the devil in the Bible, who deceived Eve by appearing as a serpent to eat from the forbidden tree. The Pope states that Eve received fake information from the devil, who told her that by eating this fruit, her knowledge and Adam's would reach the level of God. 'We must expose the toxic methods (like the devil's tactics) used by the purveyors of fake news.' Greg Burke, a Vatican spokesman who was previously a journalist for American media, told Reuters, 'The Pope does not mean that all journalists are serpents, but he undoubtedly points to the reality that some of them can be deceitful serpents.' The Pope added that the role of journalists is 'not just a job but a mission,' and they have a specific duty in combating fake news. In another part of this statement, the leader of the world's Catholics said: 'In the noisy environment of journalism and the effort to find fresh and interesting news, they must remember that the main issue in the work of news dissemination is not speed or its impact on audiences, but consideration of human beings.' Pope Francis added: 'Instead of focusing on delivering the latest news, journalists should pay attention to examining and analyzing the reasons for crises, journalism that is committed to showing alternatives to violent conflicts and verbal violence.'