Pope Francis has denounced the “snake tactics” of those who spread fake news, saying the first case of misinformation is in the Bible when Eve is tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit. The episode showed the “dire consequences” that fake news can have, the Pope warned in a document. Francis also said it led only to the spread of arrogance and hatred.He urged social media users and journalists to unmask manipulative tactics that foment division.

The document The Truth Will Set You Free – Fake News and Journalism for Peace was issued ahead of the Catholic Church’s World Communications Day on 13 May, and it was the first time the Pope has written on the topic. It comes amid a debate on ways to contain the spread of fake news on social media platforms and how it may have influenced recent elections, including in the US in 2016. READ MORE


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