Pope Leo XIV has made a significant mark in his first address to the media at the Vatican, emphasizing the urgent need for the release of journalists incarcerated for merely seeking and presenting the truth. He stated that their plight challenges the conscience of nations and highlights the pressing issue of media freedom, calling it essential to protect the "precious gift" of free speech.
With the Committee to Protect Journalists reporting 361 journalists in prison as of 2024, Pope Leo XIV, who just assumed his role as the leader of the Catholic Church, reinforced the vital impact journalists have in highlighting global injustices and poverty. He urged journalists to seek truth over engagement in partisan conflicts and to avoid promoting "fanaticism and hatred."
Speaking in the Vatican's Paul VI audience hall, Leo XIV stated, "Our communication is fundamentally important; we must say 'no' to the war of words and images, we must reject this paradigm." He warned against the existing trend of aggressive communication, advocating instead for a style that emphasizes listening and amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals.
Additionally, the pope expressed concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence in journalism. He called upon media professionals to handle AI with "responsibility and discernment," ensuring its applications benefit humanity at large.
He opened his speech with a light-hearted remark in English, thanking the audience for their warm reception, and humorously stated, "They say that when they clap at the beginning, it doesn't matter much. If you're still awake at the end and still want to applaud, thank you very much."
Pope Leo XIV's first address sets a tone of compassion and responsibility, emphasizing the crucial role of media in society.
