Pope Leo XIV Defends Press Freedom in First Address

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, delivered his first major address to the media, calling for the release of imprisoned journalists worldwide and highlighting the vital role of a free press in society. He urged journalists to reject prejudice, aggression, and hate, instead fostering communication that promotes peace and supports the marginalized. The pope also emphasized the importance of factual, unbiased reporting and warned against divisive and sensationalist media practices. He expressed concern about the ethical use of artificial intelligence in journalism, encouraging responsibility and discernment. Pope Leo’s address comes amid growing threats to global press freedom, with 361 journalists reportedly jailed in 2024. His remarks received widespread applause from thousands of journalists and were welcomed by press freedom advocates and international leaders.