Pope Leo XIV has called for the release of journalists imprisoned during their work and reaffirmed the Catholic Church라이브 바카라 support for freedom of expression and the press.
Speaking at his first news conference at the Vatican라이브 바카라 Paul VI Audience Hall on Monday, Pope Leo said, “Journalists jailed for seeking and reporting the truth must be released.”
“The Church recognises in these witnesses – I am thinking of those who report on war even at the cost of their lives – the courage of those who defend dignity, justice and the right of people to be informed because only informed individuals can make free choices,” Aljazeera quoted him saying.
“The suffering of these 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,” he added.
Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first U.S.-born pope. He was elected on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis. He is a relatively unknown figure globally, having spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru as reported by reuters.
He also addressed the need for journalists to act responsibly in the age of artificial intelligence, urging them to “ensure that it can be used for the good of all, so that it can benefit all of humanity,” according to Reuters.
Speaking about the role of communication in society, the pope emphasized the importance of rejecting harmful narratives. “Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred, let us free it from aggression,” he said.
On the subject of global conflicts, the pope reiterated his Sunday message of peace. As reported by Al Jazeera, he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all individuals held by Hamas. He also expressed deep concern for Ukraine, saying he carries in his heart the suffering of “the beloved people of Ukraine.”
“Peace begins with each one of us – in the way we look at others, listen to others and speak about others,” he told journalists. “Let us disarm words, and we will help to disarm the world.”
