Pope Leo XIV Urges Release of Jailed Journalists, Defends Free Speech in First Address

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has called for the release of journalists imprisoned around the world for doing their jobs, delivering a strong defense of press freedom and truth-telling during his first news conference at the Vatican on Monday, Al Jazeera reports.

Speaking to hundreds of journalists gathered at the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall, the first American pontiff emphasized the church’s commitment to upholding freedom of speech and access to information, especially for those who risk their lives to report from conflict zones.

“Journalists jailed for seeking and reporting the truth must be released,” Pope Leo said. “The church recognises in these witnesses – I am thinking of those who report on war even at the cost of their lives – the courage of those who defend dignity, justice and the right of people to be informed, because only informed individuals can make free choices.”

Pope Leo, who was elected last Thursday following the death of Pope Francis, said the plight of imprisoned reporters must stir the conscience of the international community.

“The suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the conscience of nations,” he added, “calling on all of us to safeguard the precious gift of free speech and of the press.”

In line with messages he shared with crowds on Sunday, the pope also used the press conference to reiterate his call for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza and Ukraine.

“Peace begins with each one of us – in the way we look at others, listen to others and speak about others,” he told the media.

He warned against the spread of hostility and extremism through modern communications and social media, urging a more responsible approach to public discourse.

“We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images. We must reject the paradigm of war,” the pope said. “Let us disarm words, and we will help to disarm the world.”

Before his election to the papacy, Leo was active on social media and known for engaging with digital platforms. In his remarks, he cautioned against communication that spreads “prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred.”

During his first Sunday blessing as pope, Leo also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. He appealed for the release of all captives held by Hamas in Gaza and said he carries the “suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine” in his heart.