The office of Good Shepherd of the Lord's whole flock, which at the beginning of Our Pontificate We declared "to be a matter especially dear to Us" (cfr. A. A. S., vol. L, p. 886), while it makes Us constantly attentive to the Church's every need, bids Us consider with special care all the factors which, in the progress of modern civilization, exercise an influence on the spiritual life of man. Among these must be counted Radio, Television and Motion Pictures.

With the solemnity of an Encyclical Letter and in his Discourses, Our Predecessor, Pius XII, of immortal memory, has already more than once reminded the faithful and all well-intentioned men of the serious duty binding on them: they are to make use of these remarkable inventions according to the plan of God's Providence and the dignity of man, to whose growth in perfection those inventions ought to contribute.

With this in view the same Predecessor of Ours "took measures to set up a special Commission in this Roman Curia"(cfr. A. A. S., vol. 49, p. 768) to which he entrusted the faithful execution of the provisions and precepts contained in the Encyclical Letter Miranda prorsus, concerning questions touching faith, morals or the Church's discipline and falling within the scope of Radio, Television and Motion Pictures (ibid., p. 805).

We are aware of the serious problems in the field of public morality, of the diffusion of ideas and of the education of youth, which have been proposed by the establishment of the aforementioned techniques affecting audio-visual means of communication, for they exert a very great influence on minds. We therefore desire to make Our own, and to confirm, the exhortations and commands of that same Predecessor of Ours, and to do what We can to turn into a positive instrument for virtue and good behaviour those means which the Divine Goodness has placed at man's disposal. All are aware of the power of Radio or Television or Motion Pictures to contribute towards a higher level of human culture, to promote art worthy of the name, and, especially, to spread truth.

While holding the office of Patriarch of Venice, We gathered around Us from time to time and gave fatherly advice to members of the Motion Picture profession and industry; and after Our elevation, in the mysterious designs of Divine Providence, to the Supreme Pontificate, We gave evidence of Our good will towards those who have the direction of Radio, Television and Motion Pictures (cfr. Letter of the Secretariate of State. n. 117, of Nov. 4, 1958, to the President of the Pontifical Commission for Motion Pictures, Radio and Television); and since then We have never failed to take advantage of each occasion offered to remind them to be loyal to the Christian ideal of their profession.

Nevertheless, with very real sorrow We must point Out the dangers and moral damage which have frequently been provoked by Motion Picture shows and by Radio and Television programmes by which Christian morals and the dignity of man itself may be ruined.

Hence We address Ourselves to each one of those responsible for such productions and broadcasts, and paternally and repeatedly urge them to abide by the laws of a sound and upright conscience as befits those on whom lies the very serious duty of training others.

At the same time, We bid Our Venerable Brethren, the Archbishops and Bishops, to exercise watchfulness and, with care based on experience, to provide for the various forms of apostolate suggested by the Encyclical Letter Miranda prorsus already mentioned, in particular, the erection of National Offices in each country for directing and co-ordinating whatever concerns Catholic participation in the field of Motion Pictures, Radio and Television (cfr. A. A. S., vol. 49, pp. 783-4). Among these projects We particularly commend those which are concerned with the formation of character and the development of cultural interests, such as the presentation of, and discussions concerning, those motion pictures which are distinguished for their artistic quality and their defense of morality.

Both what touches the right and authority of the Apostolic See and the very nature of the above-mentioned means of audio-visual communication demand unity of direction and execution. Consequently, motu proprio, with sure knowledge and after mature deliberation, by the fullness of the Apostolic Authority, by virtue of this Letter and in permanent form, We establish these norms by which the aforementioned Pontifical Commission, set up for Motion Pictures, Radio and Television, is to be bound in carrying out its task, at the same time modifying those rules which are contained in the laws hitherto existing of the same Commission (cfr. A. A. S., vol. 46, 783-4).