Pope Leo XIV applauds journalists, calls for press freedom
Pope Leo XIV joked and applauded journalists during an audience with media representatives. The meeting took place on Monday in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. Leo XIV emphasized the importance of this profession, expressing solidarity with imprisoned journalists.
What do you need to know?
- Pope Leo XIV met with journalists at the Vatican.
- The Holy Father highlighted the responsibility of the media, emphasizing their task is to uphold peace and truth. He pointed out the significance of press freedom, speaking of the courage of journalists who risk their lives to report on war and other important issues.
- He also demonstrated his sense of humor and ability to maintain a lighthearted demeanor, allowing himself to make a joke.
During the audience with global media representatives on Monday at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with imprisoned journalists and called for their release. He addressed the media representatives, urging them to continue unveiling the truth.
Before delivering these remarks, the pope thanked the journalists for the warm welcome and even made a humorous comment.
The pope jokes: A humorous moment during the meeting with journalists
"Thank you for this wonderful reception," said Leo XIV to the journalists who greeted him with a standing ovation.
He then jokingly commented on the situation.
"They say when they clap at the beginning it doesn't matter much. If you're still awake at the end,a nd you still want to applaud, thank you very much," said the evidently amused pope.
His words were met with laughter in the room and another round of applause.
What challenges do journalists face?
During the audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the difficulties journalists face worldwide. He emphasized that their work is invaluable, especially when access to true information is crucial for the free elections of nations.
The pope expressed solidarity with reporters who suffer persecution for their activities.
Leo XIV stressed that press freedom is essential for the functioning of democratic societies. He highlighted the courage of journalists who report on armed conflicts, often risking their lives. The pope appealed to the international community to recognize the value of freedom of speech and the press.
Thanking the media representatives for their work, the pope pointed out that journalists not only inform but also shape the culture of dialogue and confrontation.
