Pope Leo XIV met with the journalists and media representatives for the first time on Monday. At this meeting the Pope underlined the importance of freedom of speech.
"Peace begins with each one of us: in the way we look at others, listen to others and speak about others. In this sense, the way we communicate is of fundamental importance: we must say “no” to the war of words," stated Leo XIV in his first address to the media.
The Pope called for release of journalists "imprisoned for reporting the truth," adding "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."
Pope Leo XIV also thanked the journalist for their "service to the truth".
