Pope Leo XIV emphasizes peace and responsible communication in his first press conference

At the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV engaged with the media for the first time as pontiff, addressing freedom of the press as well as the role of the media to promote peace.

Park Hyo-been covers his comments.

Amid thunderous applause, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pontiff, made his entrance.

"Buongiorno, and good morning."

He started his first press conference at the Vatican on Monday with a light-hearted joke.

"They say when they clap at the beginning, it doesn't matter much. If you're still awake at the end and you still want to applaud, thank you very much."

In his address to more than 1,000 journalists from around the world, the Pope emphasized the way the media communicates is key to promoting peace.

"We must say 'no' to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war."

He warned against using language that fuels hatred, and emphasized the need to amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves.

"Let us disarm words. Disarming words will help disarm the world."

He also called for the release of imprisoned journalists, underscoring the importance of press freedom.

Pope Leo addressed the rise of artificial intelligence, urging its responsible and ethical use for the benefit of all humanity.

"I am thinking in particular of artificial intelligence, with its immense potential, which nevertheless requires responsibility and discernment in order to ensure that it can be used for the good of all, so that it can benefit all of humanity."

After speaking for about ten minutes, Pope Leo stepped down from the podium to personally greet and engage with journalists.

Following his call for an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza last Sunday, Pope Leo has made 'peace' a central theme of the start of his papacy.

Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.