Pope Leo XIV urged the release of imprisoned journalists and emphasised the importance of press freedom during his first news conference at the Vatican on Monday.
Speaking to thousands of media representatives at the Paul VI Audience Hall, the pope expressed solidarity with journalists jailed for reporting the truth. “Let me reiterate today the Church’s solidarity with journalists who are imprisoned for seeking to report the truth, and with these words, I also ask for the release of these imprisoned journalists,” he said.
The pope highlighted the courage of journalists, particularly those reporting on war at great personal risk. “The Church recognizes these witnesses—the courage of those who defend dignity, justice, and the right of people to be informed, because only informed individuals can make free choices,” he said.
Pope Leo called on reporters to use communication to foster peace rather than hostility. “Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred,” he said. “Let us disarm words, and we will help to disarm the world.”
He described a free and independent press as a fundamental pillar of democracy, noting that the suffering of imprisoned journalists “challenges the conscience of nations and the international community, calling on all of us to safeguard the precious gift of free speech and of the press.”
On Sunday, during his first Sunday blessing as pontiff, Pope Leo advocated for peace in Gaza, Ukraine, and other conflict zones. He expressed concern for the “suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine” and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all individuals held by Hamas in the enclave.
