Pope Benedict questions tone of online debates

Pope Benedict XVI has urged Christians to take their faith into social networks, such as on-line discussion groups, but he's cautioned them to exercise "attentive discernment" and to avoid sensationalist, heated and divisive rhetoric that too often distinguishes this virtual world.

In a three-page message for the Church's 2013 World Day of Communications the Pope wrote that a challenge in the face of the culture of social networks was to draw attention to the "gentle voice of reason".

To coincide with the Pope's message, the Vatican also launched a free Pope App that offers users latest news, recent homilies and photos of the Pope and webcam images of sites such as St Peter's Square.

On Saturday the Pope turned to his Twitter account to voice his support for the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

He tweeted: "I join all those marching for life from afar, and pray that political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a culture of life."