Pope Francis
has previously been an outspoken advocate about the benefits of Twitter
and the way the web can bring people together - but has now warned of
the dangers such activities can bring.
Speaking
to German altar servers, the pontiff said young people ‘waste too many
hours on futile things’ and this is distracting them from ‘what is
really important’.
He added that futile activities include chatting on the internet and smartphones, and watching TV soap operas.
During an
address to the 50,000 young servers, who are on a pilgrimage to Rome,
Pope Francis said: ‘Our life is made up of time, and time is a gift from
God, so it is important that it be used in good and fruitful actions.’
He
continued that these activities ‘should simplify and improve the
quality of life, but distract attention away from what is really
important.’
The 77-year-old pope has Twitter accounts in several languages.
They were first used by his predecessor Benedict in 2011, and his English language account has 4.3 million followers.
In January, Pope Francis declared the internet is a ‘gift from God’ because it brings people from different cultures together.
In
a statement about Catholic Church communications, Pope Francis said the
web offers ‘immense possibilities’ for differing points of view to be
heard, including those that oppose or question the Catholic religion.
Yet
added our obsession with online conversations should never be used at
the detriment of having face-to-face conversations with neighbours,
friends and family.
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