Pope Francis has denounced the way some governments seek to discredit their critics through “whisper” campaigns, using the media to defame anyone who represents a threat, AP reports. During his morning homily on Thursday, Francis said such slander campaigns can infect relations in families, parishes and dioceses, as well as global politics. The damage done by the “sin of whispering” is particularly grave in politics “when a government isn’t honest and seeks to sling mud at its adversaries with whispers, defamation, calumny,” he said. Francis didn’t single out any country. He said, however, that dictatorial governments are known for taking control of the media to “diminish anyone who represents a threat.” This year, Francis is dedicating his annual peace message to urging greater responsibility in politics.