A Message to Students -- from the Pope

On December 1, Pope Benedict met with students and faculty from Parma in Northern Italy. An article on Vatican Radio notes that the pope mentioned that "Our era ... is signed by uncertainties and a lack of unifying principals. Academic study ... should serve to qualify the formative level of society, not just scientific research. It must offer young people the opportunity to mature intellectually, morally and civilly, by confronting themselves with those great questions that cry out the conscience of modern man."

Additionally, the pope mentioned that "today’s younger generations are exposed to a double risk, largely due to the widespread use of new technologies: on one hand ... there is a danger that the students' capacity for concentration and mental application on a personal level are reduced; on the other hand there is a danger that the students isolate themselves in an increasingly virtual reality."

Regardless of your religious affiliation, the speech sounds interesting. Make sure to check out the article for more details and to find an audio link to the speech itself.