The subject, however, is of such paramount importance in itself and
because of the present condition of society that We deem it necessary to return
to it again, not alone for the purpose of making particular recommendations as
on past occasions but rather with a universal outlook which, while embracing
the needs of your own dioceses, Venerable Brethren, takes into consideration
those of the entire Catholic world.
It is, in fact, urgently necessary to make provision that in this field
also the progress of the arts, of the sciences, and of human technique and
industry, since they are all true gifts of God, may be ordained to His glory
and to the salvation of souls and may be made to serve in a practical way to
promote the extension of the Kingdom of God upon earth. Thus, as the Church
bids us pray, we may all profit by them but in such a manner as not to lose the
goods eternal: "sic transeamus per bona temporalia ut non admittamus aeterna"2
Now then, it is a certainty
which can readily be verified that the more marvellous the progress of the
motion picture art and industry,the more pernicious
and deadly has it shown itself to morality and to religion and even to the very
decencies of human society.
The directors of the
industry in the United States recognised this fact themselves
when they confessed that the responsibility before the people and the world was
their very own. In an agreement entered into by common accord in March, 1930,
and solemnly sealed, signed, and published in the Press, they formally pledged
themselves to safeguard for the future the moral welfare of the patrons of the
cinema.
It is promised in this
agreement that no film which lowers the moral standard of the spectators, which
casts discredit upon natural or human law or arouses sympathy for their
violation, will be produced.