Pope Francis Declares the Internet a 'Gift From God'

Pope Francis declared the Internet was a "gift from God" that can break barriers between different groups of people by giving them a platform to discuss their differences.

In a statement written for the Catholic Church's World Communication Day, the Pope called the Internet a breakthrough for humanity, not technology. He said the power of social media lies in having political, economic and religious dialogue among disparate peoples and that such conversation can lead to a more united "human family."

Francis acknowledged that people can use the web simply to seek out like-minded individuals and reinforce their own opinions. But, in a move that will likely ruffle the feathers of the religion's more conservative members, he called on Catholics to do just the opposite. Read more...