Pontiff praises courage of those who defend right of people to be informed
Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful defence of press freedom and the public’s right to know, calling for the release of journalists imprisoned for “seeking and reporting the truth.”
Just days after his historic election as the first American pontiff, Pope Leo paid tribute to journalists who risk their lives to cover war, injustice and inequality. He described press freedom as a “precious gift” and warned governments and societies that the suffering of imprisoned reporters “challenges the conscience of nations and the international community.”
In an address to thousands of journalists at the Vatican (12 May 2025) the pope said: “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,” the Pope said. “Only informed individuals can make free choices.”
His words were especially important in a year marked by growing threats to journalism. At least 361 journalists were jailed globally in 2024, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, while Reporters Without Borders puts the figure even higher.
“We must safeguard the precious gift of free speech and of the press,” he said, drawing applause from the 6,000 media professionals gathered in Rome. “Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred… Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world.”
The Pope urged the press to “gather the voices of the weak who have no voice” and to reject the “paradigm of war” — including the war of words and manipulated images. “Peace begins with each one of us: in the way we look at others, listen to others and speak about others,” he said.
Significantly, Pope Leo also addressed the rising influence of artificial intelligence in journalism. He called on reporters to use AI “with responsibility and discernment,” and to ensure it serves “the benefit of all of humanity.”
As Pope Leo XIV concluded: “We do not need loud, forceful communication, but rather communication that is capable of listening.” A sentiment that resonates deeply with news professionals worldwide.
NMC Comment: Leo XIV’s remarks come at a time when the News Media Coalition (NMC) and its members are pressing governments, companies, and the tech industry to uphold the foundational principles of primary source journalism [link]. The Pope’s defence of media freedom was also a call to the conscience of international institutions.
The NMC welcomes this clear and courageous message, which reinforces the fundamental importance of independent journalism in democratic societies. Pope Leo’s words are a reminder that protecting those who gather, verify, and publish the truth — often at great personal risk — is not just a journalistic issue, but a moral one.
