Welcome to the new era of communication with Pope Leo XIV! Just four days after his election as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, Leo XIV made a lasting impression on more than 6,000 journalists gathered in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on May 12, 2025.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude towards media professionals for their dedicated work during the conclave and the days following. He emphasized the crucial role of a free press committed to the truth, stating, “Only informed peoples can make free decisions.”
Leo XIV urged the media to promote peace and disarm words, encouraging them to build bridges instead of walls in their narratives. He called for the release of imprisoned journalists who seek and tell the truth, recognizing their courage in documenting conflicts, even at the risk of their own lives.
Furthermore, the Pope highlighted the importance of freedom of the press and freedom of expression in a just and democratic society. He emphasized the need for communication that goes beyond mere transmission of information, creating cultures and environments that foster dialogue and understanding.
Leo XIV’s speech also touched upon the immense potential and responsibility of artificial intelligence in communication, as well as the importance of listening to the voices of the voiceless and contributing to the disarmament of the Earth through words.
During his first public audience, Pope Leo XIV shared key points of his vision for an “unarmed and disarming communication” that promotes a different worldview and upholds human dignity. He engaged with journalists following the events surrounding the conclave and exchanged greetings with members of the Dicastery for Communication and representatives of the Association of Journalists Accredited to the Vatican.
In a lighthearted moment, the Pope joked with Msgr. Sapienza about distributing Rosaries and revealed plans for a trip to Nicaea that had been initiated by his predecessor, Francis. He also shared messages for the United States, emphasizing the pursuit of truth and unity.
As a token of appreciation, Pope Leo XIV received gifts from journalists, including a Peruvian scarf and a relic of Blessed John Paul I. These gestures symbolized the connection and goodwill shared between the Pope and the global journalistic community.
