Pope urges media to end divisive language and calls for release of jailed reporters

In his first encounter with the media, Pope Leo XIV , the first American pontiff, stressed the vital role of journalists and called for the release of imprisoned reporters worldwide.

On Monday, May 12, Pope Leo addressed some 6,000 journalists at the Vatican and highlighted the importance of free speech and press freedom.

At the same time, the Pope addressed the issue of divisive language by the media and called for an end to the "war of words and images," advocating for communication that promotes peace.

The pontiff also condemned the imprisonment of journalists worldwide and reaffirmed the Church's solidarity with those imprisoned for reporting the truth.

While stating that communication was about the "creation of culture," he warned against misusing artificial intelligence in journalism, stressing responsible use of the technology that can "benefit all of humanity."