Pope Leo XIV waving to people.
Share this @internewscast.com

POPE Leo spoke up for the “precious gift of free speech” yesterday and called for the release of jailed journalists.

Leo told of the scourge of fake news and online hatred in an address to 6,000 members of the media in Vatican City.

Pope Leo XIV waving to people.
Pope Leo spoke up for the ‘precious gift of free speech’ and called for the release of jailed journalistsCredit: EPA
Pope Leo XIV arriving for a media audience.
Leo told of the scourge of fake news and online hatred in an address to 6,000 members of the media in Vatican CityCredit: EPA

The pontiff echoed his predecessor Francis’s plea for careful communication “in favour of peace” rather than inflammatory rants.

His speech took aim at nations including China, Israel, Myanmar, Belarus and Russia, which have jailed the most journalists.

Those held by tyrannical regimes include Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

He was released 16 months after being held on trumped-up charges in Vladimir Putin’s Russia in 2023.

Pope Leo said: “Peace begins with each one of us…

“In the way we look at others, listen to others and speak about others. In this sense, the way we communicate is of fundamental importance.

“We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war.

The hardship faced by these detained journalists compels nations and the global community to protect the invaluable rights of free expression and press freedom.

Leo

“I want to emphasize the Church’s support for journalists incarcerated for their pursuit of truth, and I urge for the freedom of these detained journalists.

“The trials of these imprisoned journalists challenge the ethical responsibilities of nations and the international community, urging us all to defend the essential freedoms of speech and press.”

Leo hit out at social media bullies and trolls who try to dominate online debates.

Robert Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV – the first from North American

He said: “We have experienced — we can say together — truly special days.

“We have shared them through every form of media: TV, radio, internet, and social media.

“I sincerely hope each of us can say that these days unveiled a little bit of the mystery of our humanity and left us with a desire for love and peace.

“For this reason, I repeat the invitation by Pope Francis: ‘Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred; let us free it from aggression.

“We do not need loud, forceful communication, but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice.”

Leo added: “You are at the forefront of reporting on conflicts and aspirations for peace, on situations of injustice and poverty. I ask you to choose consciously and courageously the path of communication in favour of peace.”

Pope Leo XIV waving to the media.
The pontiff echoed his predecessor Francis’s plea for careful communication ‘in favour of peace’ rather than inflammatory rantsCredit: EPA
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Melissa Hortman, husband honored at Minneapolis funeral

Minneapolis Funeral Honors Melissa Hortman and Her Husband

Slain Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were laid…
Diver who freed sharks gets Trump pardon after felony conviction stuns him: 'My heart sank'

Diver Known for Releasing Sharks Shocked by Trump Pardon Following Felony Conviction: ‘I Couldn’t Believe It’

A diver from Florida believed he was doing the right thing by…
USPS mail truck leaving a post office.

USPS Criticized as ‘Ineffective System’ After Thousands of Letters and Packages Discovered Abandoned Amid Major Delays

USPS has been blasted by frustrated customers after thousands of letters and…
Mugshots of Jon and Carie Hallford.

Funeral Home Owner Sentenced for Storing 190 Decomposing Bodies and Giving Families Fake Ashes

A funeral home owner, who engaged in the distressing act of hiding…
Chicago braces for deadly July 4 weekend as Fox News analyst takes action in brother's unsolved murder

Chicago Prepares for Dangerous July 4th Weekend While Fox News Analyst Acts on Brother’s Unsolved Murder Case

Chicago is preparing for another potentially violent 4th of July weekend. Fox…
Chicago City Council members skeptical of proposal to legalize 'granny flats,' or Accessory Dwelling Units

Chicago City Council Raises Doubts About Legalizing ‘Granny Flats’ or Accessory Dwelling Units

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago lawmakers are divided on legalizing the construction of…
Clay County Deputy Ryan Perry arrested on sexual assault charges

Clay County Deputy Ryan Perry Charged with Armed Sexual Battery

The deputy took the woman upstairs alone, while another deputy questioned witnesses…
'Rust' crew settles lawsuit against film producers and Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting

Crew on ‘Rust’ Settles Lawsuit Against Film Producers and Alec Baldwin in Fatal Shooting

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A civil lawsuit regarding the tragic shooting…
Keir Starmer speaking to the media.

Prime Minister Rejects Demand to Dismiss Influential No10 Advisor Morgan McSweeney Amid Welfare Controversy

THE PM’S powerful chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is “not going anywhere”…
Antoine Massey captured by US Marshals, Groves remains on run

Antoine Massey Arrested by US Marshals, While Groves Still at Large

Massey’s capture ends a weeks-long manhunt; fugitive Derrick Groves is now the…
Kilmar Abrego Garcia case news: Prosecutors tell judge government plans to deport man to country that's not native El Salvador

Lawyers Urge Tennessee Judge to Detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia Amid Deportation Fears

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia requested a federal judge…
'Very close to a final product': Senate GOP's version of Trump's megabill nears finish line

“Senate GOP’s Mega Bill Nears Completion: Almost Ready for Final Approval”

With a week until a July Fourth deadline for Congress to get…