Archbishop Joseph Mercieca yesterday drew on excerpts from the Pope's message for World Social Communications Day to stress the responsibility of the media to be at the forefront of promoting peace.

Mgr Mercieca said the media should not get carried away by whatever was new, simply because this created controversy which increased audiences and profits. He advised them to stay away from ambiguity and sensationalism.

Speaking at the Curia during a social event to mark World Social Communications Day which will be observed tomorrow, Mgr Mercieca said that in his message the Pope mentioned the need for the media to promote support for marriage and the family.

The social communications media and the entertainment industry should feel an obligation to cooperate with parents bringing up children by presenting positive models of life and of human love.

Mgr Mercieca also referred to the mention by the Pope of young people who are "subjected to debased or false expressions of love which ridicule the God-given dignity of every human person and undermine family interests".

Here Mgr Mercieca said he would himself ask why there were individuals in Malta who wanted others to believe that it was no longer possible for youngsters to live their sexual life according to the teachings of God, that is to act responsibly and in proper time.

Again drawing from the Pope's message, Mgr Mercieca reiterated the importance of three steps, identified by Pope John Paul II, that were necessary for the service of the common good - formation, participation and dialogue.

Formation in the responsible and critical use of the media helps people to use them intelligently and appropriately.

Participation in the mass media arises from their nature as a good destined for all people.

On the other hand, the promotion of dialogue through the exchange of learning, the expression of solidarity and peace presents a great opportunity for the mass media which must be recognised and exercised, Mgr Mercieca said.