Article: Roman Catholic Church And The Last Days

Silence is not simply “an antidote to the constant and unstoppable flow of information” characteristic of modern society. Rather, it is necessary for the integration of that information, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications said on Sept. 29. The event’s focus on silence is needed in light of the “extraordinarily varied nature” of modern communications.

“Silence, precisely because it favors habits of discernment and reflection, can in fact be seen primarily as a means of welcoming the word,” the council said. Silence and communication are complementary and can be key factors in “the new evangelization.”

This year’s theme was “Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age.” Pope Benedict XVI’s 2011 message called for a Christian presence on social networking sites.