Pope Francis warned seminarians in Rome of the dangers of online pornography, calling it a temptation that “weakens the priestly heart” in a transcript published by the Vatican on Wednesday.
On Monday, the papal pope answered a wide range of questions from priests and seminarians studying in Rome, from reconciling science and faith to personal shortcomings. When asked how social media can be used to “share the joy of being a Christian”, the Pope warned against excessive consumption of news, listening to music while working and… pornography.
“Every one of you thinks whether you’ve had the experience or the temptation of digital pornography. It’s an addiction that so many people have, so many ordinary men and women and even priests and nuns.”he said.
“I’m not just talking about criminal pornography like the sexual abuse of minors, where you see abuse happening live: that’s already degeneracy. I’m talking about the most normal pornography”continued.
Francis had already condemned pornography during his pontificate, having done so in June when he called it “a permanent attack on the dignity of men and women” and said it was a “threat to public health”.
“Brothers, be careful with this. The pure heart, the heart that Jesus receives every day, cannot receive this pornographic information”he said Monday, urging the public to “wipe” it from cell phones “so as not to be tempted.”
“From there comes the devil who weakens the priestly heart. Sorry to go so deep that I don’t go into detail about pornography, but there is a reality, a reality that affects priests, seminarians, nuns and consecrated souls”justified.
“to understand? This is important”he concluded, before asking a question about the importance of “signs of mercy.”
Source: DN
