Pope Leo XIV met with thousands of journalists accredited to the Holy See Press Office on 12 May, expressing his gratitude for their work in seeking the truth. During the audience, he praised the courage of journalists who defend dignity, justice, and the right to be informed, emphasizing that “only informed people can make free decisions.”
The Pope encouraged journalists to reject the “culture of competition” and to always seek truth with love and humility. He also called for the release of journalists imprisoned for seeking and spreading the truth, reiterating the Church’s solidarity with them. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of safeguarding the gift of freedom of expression and the press.
In his address, the Pope warned against the dangers of “the war of words and images” and the need to “disarm words” to contribute to disarming the world. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence, while stressing the need for responsibility and discernment in its use. Pope Leo XIV concluded by encouraging journalists to remain committed to reporting on conflicts, injustice, and poverty, while striving to create a better world.
During the meeting, Pope Leo XIV interacted with journalists, blessing children and exchanging words with some of the attendees. He also received gifts, including an alpaca wool scarf from a Peruvian journalist, a country that holds a special place in his heart. The Pope ended the audience by encouraging journalists to choose the path of communication for peace.