Pope praises social networks, cites risks

VATICAN CITY, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI gave a qualified blessing to online social networks Monday while warning of their dangers.

Sites like Facebook can provide "positive relationships," the pope said on the occasion of the Vatican's 45th World Day of Social Communications, ANSA reported.

But he also cautioned users against "taking refuge in a sort of parallel world, or excessive exposure to the virtual world."

"In the search for sharing and friendship, one is faced with the challenge of being authentic, true to oneself, without giving in to the illusion of artificially building one's public profile," Benedict said.

The pope also said the Web can be used to spread the Gospel in a "respectful and discreet form" that "stirs hearts and moves consciences."