Media’s selective coverage of the Pope

WHEN Pope Benedict XVI speaks on issues of sexual morality sections of the media go into a feeding frenzy, which is usually very disparaging.

When he highlights issues of social justice, as he did when he introduced the working document for the Synod of Bishops for Africa at mass in Yaounde in Cameroon last week, the media largely ignores this teaching.

That document, which grew out of an extensive consultation with all the dioceses in Africa, criticises multinational corporations that continue to “systematically invade the continent (Africa) in search of natural resources”.

It points out that Africa’s rights are infringed upon by nations seeking control of its enormous mining reserves.

Later on there is a strong warning against thinking that genetically modified crops would solve Africa’s food crisis. Using GM crops risks ruining small landholders, abolishing traditional methods of sharing seeds and makes farmers dependent on production companies.

Why are these important and pertinent insights ignored by the media?

Fr Seán McDonagh

St Columban’s

Dalgan Park

Navan

Co Meath