In a 2015 interview with the Argentine newspaper La Voz del Pueblo, Pope Francis affirmed that he continues to uphold the promise he made to the Virgin of Mount Carmel on the night of July 15, 1990: not to watch television.
“I have not watched television since 1990. It is a promise I made to the Virgin of Mount Carmel on the night of July 15, 1990,” he recalled. When asked about the reasons behind this decision, he clarified that there is no particular motive. “I told myself, ‘this is not for me,'” he admitted. He further explained that he doesn’t even watch matches of San Lorenzo, the football club he supports.
The Pontiff explained that he remains informed about his team’s current events because “there is a Swiss guard who provides me with the results and standings every week.”
During an interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, he also mentioned his promise. “I don’t watch television simply because at one point, I felt that God asked me to do so. On July 16, 1990, I made that promise, and I haven’t broken it.” However, he clarified, “Not watching television does not hinder my ability to communicate. It was a personal choice, nothing more. Communication is divine. God communicates.”
“Throughout history, God has communicated with us. He has not remained isolated. He is a communicating God who has spoken to us, accompanied us, challenged us, guided us to change our course, and continues to walk with us,” he emphasized.
“I’m somewhat concerned when the media fails to express themselves with the ethical standards that are inherent to their profession. For example, there are modes of communication that do not contribute to unity; in fact, they hinder it,” he reflected.
He provided a simple example to illustrate his point. “Imagine a family sitting down for dinner, but instead of engaging in conversation, they either watch television or the children are engrossed in their phones, sending messages to people outside. When communication loses its tangible, human element and becomes superficial, it becomes dangerous,” he cautioned.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pray for Us!
