Dear Friends,

We live in a wonderful time of technology. We have information and news right in front of us with our phones or other devices. We have the opportunity to be informed on our subjects, and we can select which sites on the internet we choose to view. 

At the same time, some people choose to share false news and information, which can confuse people into believing what is not true. We can follow people on social media who choose not to share the truth, instead slanting information or outright lying. With Artificial Intelligence, people can be viewed as saying things they did not say. This is going to continue to be a serious problem for our society. 

Recently, I came across information on Pope Leo regarding videos, audio recordings, and quotes attributed to him that are not factual. This can mislead people into thinking the Pope believes in certain ways and ideas that support the ideology or beliefs of the people who have social media technology. How can one really know what is factual and true against what is false and a lie?

My recommendation is to use two sites that can give exactly what Pope Leo and other Popes have stated or written in documents. Vatican.va and Vaticannews.va are two sources where you can read directly what the Pope has said. One can read statements, teachings, homilies, and special talks given by Pope Leo. These sites are the official sites of the Vatican. I think that we need to do this type of follow-up on anything we read, view, or listen to. To simply trust one site as the one and only source of what is true and accurate leaves us with possible misinformation. I know it takes extra effort to do this, but it might be a good way to have peace of mind about what is actually said and the reasons that are given as to why the information would be true. 

There are really good sources and people out there who do a great job with the truth and accuracy in sharing information. And there are those who slant the information for sinister reasons. We need to be open to research, review, and reflect before we decide to share with others.  

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Eric