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PROPAGANDA

the deliberate and systematic attempt to influence and change the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of others. On Catholic principles, "a propaganda campaign, with a view to influencing public opinion, is justified only when it serves the truth, when its objectives and methods accord with the dignity of humans, and when it promotes causes that are in the public interest" (Communio et Progressio, 1971, 29). (Etym. Latin propagare, to generate; to extend, increase.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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