Pope cites importance of diocesan newspapers

Published: 2006-11-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Diocesan newspapers are important because they strengthen local communities and give them a voice they will not find in national publications, Pope Benedict XVI said. Meeting Nov. 25 with the Italian Federation of Catholic Weeklies, the pope said the papers underline "facts and realities where the Gospel is lived, where good and truth triumph" and where individuals commit their time and creativity to building real communities. The primary task of a diocesan newspaper, he said, is to "serve the truth with courage, helping the public see, understand and live reality with the eyes of God." The challenges of modern life and the diversity of people within a diocese also must find a reflection in the diocesan paper, he said.

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