Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Press Freedom and Journalists' Rights

In his first public speech to journalists, Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance of press freedom and urged the international community to act against the incarceration of journalists.

In his first address to the media at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV called for the freedom of journalists imprisoned for their commitment to truth and accountability. He voiced support for those who manage to report on injustices, emphasizing that their suffering reflects a moral failing of nations and the global community. With 361 journalists currently detained, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the pope insisted on the necessity of defending press freedoms and highlighted journalism's influential role in revealing societal issues such as injustice and poverty.

Pope Leo XIV, who was elected as the leader of the Catholic Church just days earlier, pointed out the need for the media to prioritize truthful reporting over partisan conflicts and to refrain from contributing to "fanaticism and hatred." Speaking in the audience hall, he remarked, "the way we communicate is of fundamental importance," advocating for a thoughtful discourse that rejects hostility.

He further commented on the rise of artificial intelligence in journalism, encouraging reporters to employ AI with caution and ethical responsibility. "Use it for the benefit of all humanity," he asserted, aligning technological advancement with human welfare.

The pope, who opened his speech light-heartedly thanking the audience for their warm reception, also expressed a desire for communication that emphasizes listening to marginalized voices, urging journalists to echo their concerns.