VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2000 - This morning in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II presided at a Eucharistic celebration marking the Jubilee of the World of Entertainment. Those present included cinema and theatre actors, directors, scriptwriters, dancers, television presenters, circus artists and strolling players.
At the start of his homily, the Pope recalled that this, the third Sunday of Advent, "is characterized by joy, the joy of those who await He who 'is close', God-with-us, foretold by the prophets. This is the 'great joy' of Christmas of which we have a foretaste today."
"Moreover, this joy that springs from divine grace is not a superficial and ephemeral happiness; it is a deep joy, rooted in the heart and capable of pervading a believer's entire existence. ... Though the place of Christian joy lies at a more directly spiritual level, it also comprehends wholesome entertainment that benefits both body and spirit. Consequently, society should be grateful to those who produce and create intelligent and entertaining transmissions and programs, that amuse without causing alienation, that are humorous but not vulgar. Spreading true happiness can be a form of true social charity."
The Pope requested the representatives of the world of entertainment to, in their work, "always bear in mind your public, their rights and legitimate aspirations, especially when those people are still being formed. Do not let yourselves be conditioned by mere economic and ideological interests."
He asked the best known personalities "to be constantly aware of their responsibility. People look to you, dear friends, with affection and interest. Always represent positive and coherent models for them, capable of infusing faith, optimism and hope. Precisely because you work with images, gestures and sounds, you must be men and women with strong interior lives."
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