Context:

Pope Leo XIV, during his inaugural news conference with over 1,000 Vatican-accredited journalists, emphasized the importance of disarming communication of prejudice and hatred to foster a peaceful world. He advocated for the release of imprisoned journalists, stressing the essential role of free speech and the press in empowering individuals to make informed choices. The Pope praised journalists who risk their lives covering wars, recognizing their courage in defending dignity and justice. He also addressed the responsible use of artificial intelligence in journalism, urging that it should benefit all humanity. In a light-hearted moment, he opened with a joke in English about the applause he received, highlighting his approachability and sense of humor.

Dive Deeper:

• Pope Leo XIV's first meeting with journalists occurred in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, where he thanked them for their tireless work and urged the disarmament of communication from prejudice and hatred, suggesting that disarming words can contribute to global peace.

• He called for the release of journalists imprisoned for seeking truth, underscoring the significance of free speech and the press as vital to democracy and informed decision-making.

• The Pope acknowledged the bravery of journalists reporting from conflict zones, equating their efforts to defending human dignity, justice, and the right to be informed, which he believes are crucial for freedom of choice.

• Addressing the role of artificial intelligence in journalism, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for its ethical and beneficial use to serve humanity collectively, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to technological challenges.

• In a moment of levity, he joked about the early applause he received, demonstrating his approachable demeanor and ability to connect with his audience, which included international media representatives and their families.