From Pope John Paul Iito Pope Francis: The Catholic Church’s Views of Internet in the Light of “Risk Society†Theory

This article discusses the Catholic Church’s views and responses to the existence and use of internet in society in the light of “risk society†theory. Using library research, this study seeks to gather and analyze data and information about the topic in the Church documents using Ulrich Beck and Anthony Giddens’ theory of “risk society.†The results of this study show that the Catholic Church, through some official documents expresses its awareness of the existence and use of the Internet both within the Church and in society at large. The Catholic Church also appreciates the invention of this information and communication technology recognizing its positive contribution to the church and society. However, it also reminds the Catholics as well as the whole society of the challenges and dangers of internet misuse both for humanity in general and for the Christians in particular and because of that, necessary policies are needed as ethical guidelines for mankind but specifically for various parties in the church to use the internet wisely by preventing negative impacts or risks and take advantage of its usefulness for the preaching of the Church and good and true communication among people.