Pope sees media role in prostitution, child abuse

Pope Benedict on Friday accused the media and entertainment industries of harming society with trivial portrayals of sexuality that he said were partly to blame for social ills such as prostitution and child abuse.

The Pope made the comments during an address to bishops from Thailand, who he said were particularly concerned about the trafficking of women and children as well as prostitution.

"Undoubtedly poverty is a factor underlying these phenomena," the German-born pontiff said.

"But there is a further aspect which must be acknowledged ... I am speaking of the trivialisation of sexuality in the media and entertainment industries which fuels a decline in moral values."

He said media portrayals of sexuality also lead "to the degradation of women, the weakening of fidelity in marriage and even the abuse of children".