Asger Risom
In a message to global journalists, the new pope calls for truth, dialogue, and compassion
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV delivered a pointed message to journalists on Monday, calling for a global communication ethic rooted in dialogue, truth, and peace.
The remarks came during a special audience with hundreds of accredited reporters covering the recent papal conclave, as reported by 20minutos.
The event, held at the Paul VI Hall within Vatican City, was a continuation of the tradition begun by Pope Francis in 2013.
Reporters greeted Pope Leo XIV with enthusiastic applause as he took the stage at 11 a.m. local time.
A call for responsibility and truth
In a short address, Pope Leo XIV thanked the press for their “service to truth” and emphasized the growing responsibility of media professionals amid rapidly evolving technologies.
“Communication is not merely the transmission of information,” he said. “It is the creation of a human and digital culture of dialogue and discussion.”
The pontiff acknowledged the complex landscape of misinformation and highlighted the duty of journalists across generations and roles to safeguard factual reporting.
He also extended his recent plea against global violence: “The way we communicate matters. No to war in words and images. No to war.”
Solidarity with persecuted journalists
Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with journalists imprisoned for pursuing the truth, calling for their release worldwide.
He urged reporters to “not retreat in the face of difficult times,” noting that today’s challenges require “never yielding to mediocrity.”
The pope cited Pope Francis’ earlier World Communications Day message: “Let us disarm information of fanaticism, hatred, prejudice, and aggression. We need communication that listens and amplifies the voices of the voiceless.”
Looking ahead to the inaugural mass
The pontiff concluded by urging the media to “consciously and courageously choose the path of peaceful communication.”
After his address, Pope Leo XIV stepped down to personally greet Vatican staff and select reporters.
With no further official events scheduled for the day, attention now turns to Sunday, May 18, when Pope Leo XIV will formally assume the papacy during the Mass of Inauguration and receive the Ring of the Fisherman, the traditional symbol of St. Peter’s successor.