Pope: Media Sins By Dredging Up Sensationalizing Old News

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis is criticizing journalists who dredge up old scandals and sensationalize the news, saying it's a "very serious sin" that hurts all involved.

Francis, who plans to dedicate his upcoming annual communications message to "fake news," told Catholic media on Saturday that journalists perform a mission that is among the most "fundamental" to democratic societies.

But he reminded them to provide precise, complete and correct information and not to provide one-sided reports.

Pope Francis stands during the audience with Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. (Andreas Solaro/Pool Photo via AP)

The xxx film pope said: "You shouldn't fall into the 'sins of communication:' disinformation, or giving just one side, calumny that is sensationalized, or defamation, looking for things that are old news and have been dealt with and bringing them to light today."

He called those actions a "grave sin that hurts the heart of the journalist and hurts others."

Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno, center, and his wife Rocio Gonzalez Navas during a private audience at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. In case you loved this informative article and you want to receive much more information relating to xxx photo generously visit our own website. 16, 2017. (Andreas Solaro/Pool Photo via AP)

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