It's fairly normal for a human rights group to get involved in the argument that videogames portray too much violence, but not so common for the Vatican to be making a heartfelt plea to the industry asking them to tone down their games.

In an address to the World on 'World Communications Day', Pope Benedict XVI chose the theme of "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education'. The Pope covered all aspects of the media in his speech and his message was clear, "Media education should be positive. Children exposed to what is aesthetically and morally excellent are helped to develop appreciation, prudence and the skills of discernment. "

Referring to videogames, the Pope issued an appeal to the industry, "Any trend to produce programmes and products - including animated films and video games - which in the name of entertainment exalt violence and portray anti-social behaviour or the trivialization of human sexuality is a perversion, all the more repulsive when these programmes are directed at children and adolescents. How could one explain this ‘entertainment’ to the countless innocent young people who actually suffer violence, exploitation and abuse? In this regard, all would do well to reflect on the contrast between Christ who "put his arms around [the children] laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing" (Mk 10:16) and the one who "leads astray … these little ones" for whom "it would be better … if a millstone were hung round his neck" (Lk 17:2). Again I appeal to the leaders of the media industry to educate and encourage producers to safeguard the common good, to uphold the truth, to protect individual human dignity and promote respect for the needs of the family.

The Pope's plea will undoubtedly fall on deaf ears, but does he have a point?

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