In his first major address to journalists since becoming the first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful defense of press freedom while urging responsible reporting. Speaking to media representatives in Vatican City’s Paul VI Hall, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost called for the immediate release of hundreds of journalists imprisoned worldwide for their work.
The newly elected pope cited Reporters Without Borders data showing 550 journalists detained globally as of December 2024, framing their plight as both a moral crisis and threat to democracy. “The suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the conscience of nations,” said the 68-year-old pontiff, who previously served as a missionary in Peru before rising through Church ranks.
While emphasizing journalism’s vital role in uncovering truth, Pope Leo – known for his own social media engagement prior to election – cautioned against inflammatory reporting. “We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images,” he urged, advocating instead for communication that “listens to the voices of the weak.” His remarks balanced defense of press freedom with calls for ethical responsibility, reflecting his reputation as a bridge-builder between progressive and conservative Catholic factions.
The address marked the Chicago-born pope’s first major public appearance since Saturday’s inauguration, offering early insight into how his unique background as both a digital-native cleric and developing-world missionary might shape his papacy. Vatican observers noted the speech’s dual focus on global human rights and personal accountability – themes likely to define his leadership of the 1.4 billion-member Church.
Pope Leo’s intervention comes amid growing global press freedom challenges, with journalists facing increasing detention, violence and censorship across multiple continents. His specific call to “safeguard the precious gift of free speech” carries particular weight given the Catholic Church’s historical tensions with media scrutiny of its operations.
