Pope Francis today denounced "misleading information" and fake news, considering them to be "the first sins of journalism" in its attempt to guide public opinion. "Misleading is the first sin, or let’s say, the first mistakes of journalism," the Pope said during a ceremony at the Vatican to award a media prize in the presence of Italian journalists. He added in a statement released by the Vatican that "misleading is one of the sins of journalism, which has four: misleading when journalists fail to report or mislead, slander used at times, defamation which differs from slander but destroys, and the fourth is the obsession with scandals."
He continued: "For example, what concerns me is the manipulation by those who promote fake news to guide public opinion for their own interests," calling for a "responsible awakening" amid the "tragic situation Europe is experiencing with the ongoing war in Ukraine." He also stated: "I hope to make space for voices of peace, for those engaged in ending this conflict and others."
The 86-year-old Argentine Pope, known for his communication skills, is set to travel to Mongolia next week and has conducted numerous interviews since his election, appearing more comfortable than his late predecessor, Benedict XVI.
