Pope Francis Calls the Internet "a Gift from God;" Says It Has Immense Possibilities for Solidarity

There are a lot of opinions out there about the Internet -- it's a time-waster, a world-changer, a gold mine, a panacea -- but here's one from an especially high authority: It's "a gift from God."

Those were the words of Pope Francis, the Newser website reports today (January 23, 2014).

In a statement released for the Catholic Church's World Communications Day, the pope said the Internet "offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God."

The pope also had some caveats, including the possible isolation of those who over-indulge on the Internet.