Decree on the media of social communication : promulgated by His Holiness Pope Paul VI at the closin


ON COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA
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Decree Promulgated by His Holiness

POPE PAUL VI
December 4, 1963





DECREE

ON THE MEDIA OF

Promulgated by His Holiness

POPE PAUL VI
At the Closing of the Second Session of the

Second Vatican Council

December 4, 1963





DECREE

ON THE MEDIA OF

INTRODUCTION

1. Among the wonderful technological discoveries
which men of talent, especially in the present era, have
made with God’s help, the Church welcomes and promotes
with special interest those which have a most direct rela-
tion to men’s minds and which have uncovered new avenues
of communicating most readily news, views and teachings
of every sort. The most important of these inventions are
those media which, such as the press, movies, radio, tele-
vision and the like, can, of their very nature, reach and
influence, not only individuals, but the very masses and the
whole of human society, and thus can rightly be called the
media of social communication.

2. The Church recognizes that these media, if properly
utilized, can be of great service to mankind, since they
greatly contribute to men’s entertainment and instruction
as well as to the spread and support of the Kingdom of
God. The Church recognizes, too, that men can employ
these media contrary to the plan of the Creator and to
their own loss. Indeed, the Church experiences maternal
grief at the harm all too often done to society by their
evil use.

Hence, this sacred Synod, attentive to the watchful
concern manifested by the Supreme Pontiffs and Bishops
in a matter of such great importance, judges it to be its
duty to treat of the principal questions linked with the
media of social communication. It trusts, moreover, that
the teaching and regulations it thus sets forth will serve to

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also the progress of all mankind.
promote, not only the eternal welfare of Christians, but

CHAPTER I

On the Teaching of the Church
3. The Catholic Church, since it was founded by

Christ our Lord to bear salvation to all men and thus is
obliged to preach the Gospel, considers it one of its duties
to announce the Good News of salvation also with the help
of the media of social communication and to instruct men
in their proper use.

It is, therefore, an inherent right of the Church to
have at its disposal and to employ any of these media
insofar as they are necessary or useful for the instruction
of Christians and all its efforts for the welfare of souls.
It is the duty of Pastors to instruct and guide the faithful
so that they, with the help of these same media, may
further the salvation and perfection of themselves and of
the entire human family.

In addition, the laity especially must strive to instill
a human and Christian spirit into these media, so that they
may fully measure up to the great expectations of mankind
and to God’s design.

4. For the proper use of these media it is most neces-
sary that all who employ them be acquainted with the
norms of morality and conscientiously put them into prac-
tice in this area. They must look, then, to the nature of
what is communicated, given the special character of each
of these media. At the same time they must take into
consideration the entire situation or circumstances, namely,

the persons, place, time and other conditions under which
communication takes place and which can affect or totally
change its propriety. Among these circumstances to be con-
sidered is the precise manner in which a given medium
achieves its effect. For its influence can be so great that men,
especially if they are unprepared, can scarcely become
aware of it, govern its impact, or, if necessary, reject it.

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5. It is, however, especially necessary that all parties

concerned should adopt for themselves a proper moral
outlook on the use of these media, especially with respect
to certain questions that have been vigorously aired in
our day.

The first question has to do with “information,” as
it is called, or the search for and reporting of the news.
Now clearly this has become most useful and very often
necessary for the progress of contemporary society and
for achieving closer links among men. The prompt publi-
cation of affairs and events provides every individual with
a fuller, continuing acquaintance with them, and thus all
can contribute more effectively to the common good and
more readily promote and advance the welfare of the entire
civil society. Therefore, in society men have a right to
information, in accord with the circumstances in each
case, about matters concerning individuals or the com-
munity. The proper exercise of this right demands, how-
ever, that the news itself that is communicated should
always be true and complete, within the bounds of justice
and charity. In addition, the manner in which the news
is communicated should be proper and decent. This means
that in both the search for news and in reporting it, there
must be full respect for the laws of morality and for the
legitimate rights and dignity of the individual. For not
all knowledge is helpful, but “it is charity that edifies.”^

6. The second question deals with the relationship
between the rights, as they are called, of art and the
norms of morality. Since the mounting controversies in
this area frequently take their rise from false teachings
about ethics and esthetics, the Council proclaims that all
must hold to the absolute primacy of the objective moral
order, that is, this order by itself surpasses and fittingly
coordinates all other spheres of human affairs—the arts
not excepted—even though they be endowed with notable
dignity. For man who is endowed by God with the gift
of reason and summoned to pursue a lofty destiny, is
alone affected by the moral order in his entire being. And
likewise, if man resolutely and faithfully upholds this order,

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he will be brought to the attainment of complete perfec-
tion and happiness.

7. Finally, the narration, description or portrayal of

moral evil, even through the media of social communica-
tion, can indeed serve to bring about a deeper knowledge
and study of humanity and, with the aid of appropriately
heightened dramatic effects, can reveal and glorify the
grand dimensions of truth and goodness. Nevertheless,
such presentations ought always to be subject to moral
restraint, lest they work to the harm rather than the
benefit of souls, particularly when there is question of
treating matters which deserve reverent handling or which,
given the baneful effect of original sin in men, could quite
readily arouse base desires in them.

8. Since public opinion exercises the greatest power
and authority today in every sphere of life, both private
and public, every member of society must fulfill the de-
mands of justice and charity in this area. As a result,
all must strive, through these media as well, to form and
spread sound public opinion.

9. All who, of their own free choice, make use of
these media of communications as readers, viewers or
listeners have special obligations. For a proper choice de-
mands that they fully favor those presentations that are
outstanding for their moral goodness, their knowledge and
their artistic or technical merit. They ought, however, to
avoid those that may be a cause or occasion of spiritual
harm to themselves, or that can lead others into danger
through base example, or that hinder desirable presenta-
tions and promote those that are evil. To patronize such
presentations, in most instances, would merely reward
those who use these media only for profit.

In order that those who make use of these media
may fulfill the moral code, they ought not to neglect to
inform themselves in time about judgments passed by
authorities competent in these matters. They ought also
to follow such judgments according to the norms of an
upright conscience. So that they may more easily resist
improper inducements and rather encourage those that

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are desirable, let them take care to guide and instruct their
consciences with suitable aids.

10. Those who make use of the media of communi-
cations, especially the young, should take steps to ac-

custom themselves to moderation and self-control in their
regard. They should, moreover, endeavor to deepen their
understanding of what they see, hear or read. They should
discuss these matters with their teachers and experts, and
learn to pass sound judgments on them. Parents should
remember that they have a most serious duty to guard
carefully lest shows, publications and other things of this
sort, which may be morally harmful, enter their homes
or affect their children under other circumstances.

11. The principal moral responsibility for the proper
use of the media of social communication falls on news-
men, writers, actors, designers, producers, displayers, dis-
tributors, operators and sellers, as well as critics and all
others who play any part in the production and transmis-
sion of mass presentations. It is quite evident what gravely
important responsibilities they have in the present day
when they are in a position to lead the human race to
good or to evil by informing or arousing mankind.

Thus, they must adjust their economic, political or
artistic and technical aspects so as never to oppose the
common good. For the purpose of better achieving this
goal, they are to be commended when they join profes-
sional associations, which—even under a code, if neces-
sary, of sound moral practice—oblige their members to
show respect for morality in the duties and tasks of their
craft.

They ought always to be mindful, however, that a
great many of their readers and audience are young
people, who need a press and entertainment that offer them
decent amusement and cultural uplift. In addition, they
should see to it that communications or presentations con-
cerning religious matters are entrusted to worthy and ex-
perienced hands and are carried out with fitting reverence.

12. The public authority, in these matters, is bound
by special responsibilities in view of the common good, to

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which these media are ordered. The same authority has,
in virtue of its office, the duty of protecting and safeguard-
ing true and just freedom of information, a freedom that
is totally necessary for the welfare of contemporary society,
especially when it is a question of freedom of the press.
It ought also to encourage spiritual values, culture and
the fine arts and guarantee the rights of those who wish
to use the media. Moreover, public authority has the duty
of helping those projects which, though they are certainly
most beneficial for young people, cannot otherwise be
undertaken.

Lastly, the same public authority, which legitimately
concerns itself with the health of the citizenry, is obliged,
through the promulgation and careful enforcement of laws,
to exercise a fitting and careful watch lest grave damage
befall public morals and the welfare of society through the
base use of these media. Such vigilance in no wise re-
stricts the freedom of individuals or groups, especially
where there is a lack of adequate precaution on the part
of those who are professionally engaged in using these
media.

Special care should be taken to safeguard young people
from printed matter and performances which may be
harmful at their age.

CHAPTER II

On the Pastoral Activity of the Church

13. All the children of the Church should join, without
delay and with the greatest effort in a common work to
make effective use of the media of social communication
in various apostolic endeavors, as circumstances and con-
ditions demand. They should anticipate harmful develop-
ments, especially in regions where more urgent efforts to
advance morality and religion are needed.

Pastors should hasten, therefore, to fulfill their duty
in this respect, one which is intimately linked with their

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ordinary preaching responsibility. The laity, too, who have
something to do with the use of these media, should en-

deavor to bear witness to Christ, first of all by carrying
out their individual duties or office expertly and with an
apostolic spirit, and, further, by being of direct help in
tJie pastoral activity of the Church—to the best of their
ability—through their technical, economic, cultural and
artistic talents.

14. First, a good press should be fostered. To instill
a fully Christian spirit into readers, a truly Catholic press

snould be set up and encouraged. Such a press—whether
immediately fostered and directed by ecclesiastical author-
ities or by Catholic laymen—should be edited with the
clear purpose of forming, supporting and advancing public
opinion in accord with natural law and Catholic teaching
and precepts. It should disseminate and properly explain
news concerning the life of the Church. Moreover, the
faithful ought to be advised of the necessity both to spread
and read the Catholic press to formulate Christian judg-
ments for themselves on all events.

The production and showing of films that have value
as decent entertainment, humane culture or art, especially
when they are designed for young people, ought to be
encouraged and assured by every effective means. This
can be done particularly by supporting and joining in
projects and enterprises for the production and distribu-
tion of decent films, by encouraging worthwhile films
through critical approval and awards, by patronizing or
jointly sponsoring theaters operated by Catholic and re-
sponsible managers.

Similarly, effective support should be given to good
radio and television programs, above all those that are
suitable for families. Catholic programs should be pro-
moted, in which listeners and viewers can be brought to
share in the life of the Church and learn religious truths.
An effort should also be made, where it may be necessary,
to set up Catholic stations. In such instances, however,
care must be taken that their programs are outstanding
for their standards of excellence and achievement.

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In addition, there should be an effort to see that
the noble and ancient art of the drama, which now is
diffused everywhere by the media of social communication,
serves the cultural and moral betterment of audiences.

15. To provide for the needs just set forth, priests,
religious and laymen who are equipped with the proper
skills for adapting these media to the objectives of the
apostolate should be appointed promptly.

Importantly, laymen ought to be afforded technical,
doctrinal and moral training. For this purpose, the num-
ber of school faculties and institutes should be increased,
where newsmen, writers for screen, radio and television
and all other interested parties can obtain a sound train-
ing that is imbued with the Christian spirit, especially
with respect to the social teaching of the Church.

Finally, care must be taken to prepare literary, film,
radio, television and other critics, who will be equipped
with the best skills in their own crafts and trained and
encouraged to render judgments which always put moral
issues in their proper light.

16. Since the proper use of the media of social com-
munications which are available to audiences of different
cultural backgrounds and ages, calls for instruction proper
to their needs, programs which are suitable for this pur-'
pose—especially where they are designed for young people
—should be encouraged, increased in numbers and organ-
ized according to Christian moral principles. This should
be done in Catholic schools at every level, in seminaries
and in lay apostolate groups. To speed this along cate-
chetical manuals should present and explain Catholic teach-
ing and regulations on this matter.

17. It is quite unbecoming for the Church’s children
idly to permit the message of salvation to be thwarted
or impeded by the technical delays or expenses, however
vast, which are encountered by the very nature of these
media. Therefore, this sacred Synod advises them of the
obligation they have to maintain and assist Catholic news-
papers, periodicals and film projects, radio and television

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programs and stations, whose principal objective is to spread
and defend the truth and foster Christian influence in

human society. At the same time, the Synod earnestly
invites those organizations and individuals who possess
financial and technical ability to support these media freely
and generously with their resources and their skills, in-
asmuch as they contribute to genuine culture and the
apostolate.

18. Moreover, that the varied apostolates of the

Church with respect to the media of social communication
may be strengthened effectively, each year in every diocese
of the world, by the determination of the Bishops, there
should be celebrated a day on which the faithful are
instructed in their responsibilities in this regard. They
should be invited to pray and contribute funds for this
cause. Such funds are to be expended exclusively on the
promotion, maintenance and development of institutes and
undertakings of the Church in this area, according to the
needs of the whole Catholic world.

19. In fulfilling his supreme pastoral charge with
respect to the media of social communication, the Sover-
eign Pontiff has at hand a special office of the Holy See.

Moreover, the Fathers of the Council, freely acceding
to the wish of the “Secretariat for the Supervision of
Publications and Entertainment,” reverently request that
the Sovereign Pontiff extend the duties and competence
of this office to include all media of social communication,
including the press, and that experts from various countries
be named to it, including laymen.

20. It will be the task of the Bishops, however, to watch
over such works and undertakings in their own dioceses, to
promote them and, as far as the public apostolate is con-
cerned, to guide them, not excluding those that are under
the direction of exempt religious.

21. Since an effective apostolate on a national scale
calls for unity of planning and resources, this sacred Synod
decrees and orders that national offices for affairs of the
press, films, radio and television be established everywhere
and given every aid. It will be the special task of these offi-

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ces to see to it that the consciences of the faithful are
properly instructed with respect to these media. Likewise
they should foster and guide whatever is done by Catholics
in these areas.

In each country the direction of such offices should be
entrusted to a special committee of Bishops, or to a single
Bishop. Moreover, laymen who are experts in Catholic
teaching and in these arts or techniques should have a role
in these offices.

22. Since the effectiveness of these media reaches be-
yond national boundaries and has an impact on individual
members of the whole human family, national offices should
co-operate among themselves on an international plane. The
offices spoken of in Number 21 should assiduously work
together with their own international Catholic associations.
These Catholic international associations are legitimately
approved by the Holy See alone and depend on it.

APPENDICES
23. So that the general principles and norms of this

sacred Synod with respect to the media of social communi-
cations may be put into effect, by the express will of the
Council, the office of the Holy See mentioned in Number 19
should undertake, with the assistance of experts from vari-
ous countries, to issue a pastoral instruction.

24. As for the rest, this sacred Synod is confident that
its issuance of these instructions and norms will be gladly
accepted and religiously kept by all the Church’s children.
By using these helps they will experience no harm and, like
salt and light, they will give savor to the earth and brighten
the world. Moreover, the Synod invites all men of good
will, especially those who have charge of these media, to
strive to turn them solely to the good of society, whose fate
depends more and more on their proper use. Thus, as was the
case with ancient works of art, the name of the Lord may be
glorified by these new discoveries in accordance with those
words of the Apostle: “Jesus Christ, yesterday and today,
and the same forever.

'^Corinthians 8:1.
^ Hebretvs 13:8.

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1963

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