The New York Times reports that Pope Leo XIV, in his first audience with journalists as the newly elected pontiff, urged news media to avoid divisive language and promote a "communication of peace."
Speaking to over 1,000 journalists at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, the first American pope called for reporting that fosters dialogue and rejects prejudice, resentment, fanaticism, and hatred, echoing themes of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
He emphasized the media’s role in highlighting conflicts, injustice, and poverty while advocating for a free press to ensure informed decision-making. Leo also expressed solidarity with imprisoned journalists, calling for their release, and stressed the importance of free speech as a “precious gift.”
The address, delivered primarily in Italian with an English quip, received a rapturous ovation from the media, some of whom were in Rome to cover Pope Francis’ funeral and the conclave that elected Leo.
The pope also renewed his calls for global peace, including discussions with Ukraine’s president about a ceasefire. In the pope’s remarks, which lasted around 10 minutes, Leo called for the release of journalists who had been imprisoned for their work. At least 550 journalists were being held across the world as of December, according to Reporters Without Borders, a nonpartisan organization that works to protect journalists.
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