CHILDREN AND THE MEDIA: A CHALLENGE FOR EDUCATION

VATICAN CITY, SEP 30, 2006 (VIS) - Archbishop John Foley, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, announced the theme chosen by Benedict XVI for the 41st World Communication Day: "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education".

  Archbishop Foley said that the theme "underlines the need for parents and educators to realize the important formative influence of the media in the lives of children".

  The "World Communications Day, the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second Vatican Council", as can be found in the document "Inter Mirifica", 1963, is marked in most countries, on the recommendation of the bishops of the world, on the Sunday before Pentecost", which will fall on May 20 in 2007.

  "The Holy Father's message for World Communications Day is traditionally published in conjunction with the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers, on January 24, to allow bishops' conferences, diocesan offices and communications organizations sufficient time to prepare audiovisual and other materials for national and local celebrations".
CON-CS/WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY/FOLEY            VIS 20061002 (180)