Inter Mirifica

Decree on the Media of Social Communications

Second Vatican Council; solemnly promulgated by St. Paul VI1963-12-04Current

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Overview

Addresses the moral use of press, cinema, radio, television, and other means of social communication by creators, audiences, civil authority, and the Church.

Why This Document Matters

It establishes enduring principles of truth, responsibility, formation, and evangelization that remain relevant as media technologies change.

Historical Context

Promulgated in Vatican II's second session during rapid expansion of mass communications; later Church teaching develops its application.

Authority and Status

Genre: Ecumenical Council Decree
Authority class: Ecumenical council decree
Juridical force: Moral, pastoral, and disciplinary
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1963-12-04

Legal or historical note: Current; read with later magisterial development and implementation.

A decree of an ecumenical council, solemnly promulgated by the pope, setting principles and pastoral direction for social communications.

Key Points

MediaCommunicationsMoral ResponsibilityEvangelization

Major Themes

MediaCommunicationsMoral ResponsibilityEvangelizationPublic Opinion

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Inter Mirifica

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

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