It is impossible in one article to give a full account of John Paul II’s teachings on the positive impact of the media on the family and social life. A family, through their relationships with the society, is an important reality in human life. In the contemporary world the richness of the family is minimised, often rejected and even ridiculed. It is true that such tendencies are visible in the media, but on the other hand it is the media that can contribute to forming proper relationships, both within the family, thereby recognizing its value, and within the society. However, in order to achieve this the message sent by the media should be char-acterized by openness to others and should build the awareness within individuals of the values and respect for the other human being. It should also form, through the media, the image of freedom as an inherent value of human life. John Paul II sets the media specific tasks. On one hand, the Pope sees in them a great value, on the other hand he requires that both administrators of mass media as well as journalists respect human life, build and shape the public opinion properly and, finally, pay attention to the combination of values offered by faith and those related to culture. It is worth seeing and knowing the positive impact of the media on the family, the relationships both within the family and society. This will make it possible to use the media in a better way when building the good. But on the other hand one should not forget about the dangers the media might pose.
Key words: John Paul II, media, family relations, social relations, the influence of the media, the ethics of the media, family, children, parents, freedom