'Even priests and nuns' are tempted by the vice of digital porn, Pope Francis says

Pope Francis
(Image credit: Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images)

Pope Francis addressed a question about priests using digital and social media during a gathering of seminarians on Monday, and according to a transcript of the discussion the Vatican released Wednesday, he didn't hold back. The pope said he doesn't use social media because he's too old, but the future priests must use this marvel of science — with limits.

There are dangers in the digital world, including getting lost in the news or listening to music that doesn't allow you to get your work done, and also another danger "that you know well: digital pornography," Pope Francis said. "I'm not going to say, 'Raise your hand if you've had some experience with this,'" the pope assured the seminarians. "But each one of you think about if you have experience or have been tempted with digital pornography. It's a vice that many people have, many lay men and women, and even priests and nuns."

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.