“How I would like for us to look less at screens and look each other in the eyes more!” This is the Holy Father’s desire that he shares in his April video, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network in collaboration with Coronation Media, with the support of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
The Holy Father invites us to “use technology to unite, not to divide.” Pope Francis warns us of the risk that technology can replace face-to-face interactions. This can lower the quality of our human relationships. He invites us to find a balance, using technology to foster authentic human connections, rather than replace them with virtual interactions.
The Pope’s prayer intention is an invitation to develop a critical awareness of how we use technology and its effects on our lives and on society. This includes reflecting on our own online habits, promoting a responsible and conscientious use that fosters human integral development.
“Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.” Pope Francis