Archbishop Charles Scicluna warned on Sunday of a world “threatened by fake news and post-truths”, saying all should take heed of the commandment that one should not lie.

“In a world threatened by fake news and post-truths, it is a commandment that is currently apt,” he said. “Lies separate not just people but entire nations.”

One must carry one’s responsibility and respect facts, Mgr Scicluna said, adding people resorted to lies to escape such responsibility. One had to be accountable for one’s behaviour, he added.

Speaking during a liturgical celebration at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta on the occasion of the feast of Christ the King, the Archbishop said Jesus said he had been born to be a witness for truth. Jesus wanted to serve not to be served, a stark reminder to those in authority, Mgr Scicluna told the congregation, headed by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

Lies separate not just people but entire nations

Jesus was a king because he was a martyr for truth, he remarked.

God also reminded us not to kill, the Archbishop said, adding there were many injustices that killed people before they physically passed away.

God also insisted one should not steal, Mgr Scicluna continued, pointing out he was referring to workers who were not paid what they were due.

Likewise, nobody should deny children the right to a healthy environment and those shouldered with responsibility could not decide to bear it only when faced with an opportunity from which they could gain, the Archbishop said.

The celebration at the co-cathedral was preceded by a walk from near the monument of Christ the King, in Floriana during which the Archbishop carried a wooden cross. He was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi and Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona.