PAROLE DI SUA SANTITÀ PIO PP. XII
AI PARTECIPANTI AL CONGRESSO EUROPEO
DELLA SOCIETÀ «UNIVERSAL FILM»*

 Sala del Concistoro - Domenica, 12 maggio 1957

Despite the mounting demands made on Our time, especially at this season, which you, gentlemen, will easily appreciate, We could not bring Ourselves to say 'no' to the request of a group so large and so important.

Its importance glares at one, as it were, from out the very title of your organization : « Universal Films ». FILM,—the word opens up a whole world, a new world within a world, a world that fascinates the senses and would lead captive the mind and spirit of man. Oh, how important it is, that it should not rob man of his essential, practical allegiance to God, his Creator and Lord.

In this brief moment, gentlemen, to Our sincere welcome We would add but one word, the renewed expression of Our anxious thoughts, Our deepest concern, Our most earnest hope and prayer: do what you can to make the world of the film a healthy world, in which men, women and even children can find pleasurable recreation and cultural improvement in security, security of mind, and moral integrity.

We praise your efforts made along these lines and We pray that God may bless them with success, and extend His blessing to your persons and your dear ones.

*Discorsi e Radiomessaggi di Sua Santità Pio XII, XIX,
 Diciannovesimo anno di Pontificato, 2 marzo 1957 - 1° marzo 1958, p. 179
 Tipografia Poliglotta Vaticana