Pope Leo XIV's Call for Media Integrity and Freedom
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, urged journalists to prioritize truth and resist divisive reporting. He advocated for the release of imprisoned reporters and responsible use of AI in media. Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, Leo seeks to protect free speech and press rights globally.

Pope Leo XIV, newly elected to lead the Catholic Church, addressed the media on Monday with a plea for truth in journalism. He emphasized the moral responsibility of journalists to report accurately, rather than engaging in divisive narratives.
The pontiff expressed concern about the 361 reporters imprisoned for their work by the end of last year, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists. He called on nations to uphold free speech and press freedoms, highlighting the significant international duty to protect these vital rights.
Additionally, Leo XIV advised journalists on the ethical use of artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of leveraging technology for the collective benefit of humanity. The meeting marked his first major audience at the Vatican, where he was greeted warmly by attending journalists.
(With inputs from agencies.)