Forget Jack Thompson, this is one member of the religious-right whose condemnations people actually listen to. According to the Associated Press, Pope Benedict XVI recently voiced his concerns with the prevalence of sex and violence in the media, particularly video games.

The Pope made the statements in a message to mark the church's World Communications Day.

"Any trend to produce programs and products - including animated movies and video games - which in the name of entertainment exalt violence and portray anti-social behaviour or the trivilization of human sexuality is a perversion, all the more repulsive when these programs are directed at children and adolescents," he said.

"I appeal to the leaders of the media industry to educated 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."

Benedict also suggested that children should be encouraged to enjoy classic literature, fine arts and "uplifting music".

That's all very well and good, but we would like to point out that children can enjoy all of these things (fine arts, uplifting music, and literature) in countless video games, if they so desire.

No word yet on whether the Pope is aware of the Hot Coffee controversy from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas or if he picked up a PS3 at the Vatican City Walmart on launch day.