Pope Francis sees the internet as a blessing for communication

Some may see the internet primarily as a source of anger or a dangerously addictive distraction, but not Pope Francis. In a message for the Catholic Church's World Communications Day, the pontiff called the internet a "gift from God" for social outreach. It helps people meet, experience differing opinions and feel a sense of unity, he says. However, he's also aware of the potential for abuse. Digital citizens can choose to see only things that reinforce their existing views, and they risk isolating themselves from real people. The internet is potentially "rich in humanity" and kindness, but only if we put in that effort -- something we'd do well to remember regardless of our belief systems.