Pope Leo XIV Urges Media to Embrace Peaceful Dialogue

During his first audience, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for a peaceful world and urged the media to promote moderation in communication.

In an important address to over 1,000 journalists at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV made a poignant appeal for a more harmonious media landscape, emphasizing the power of words in shaping society. As he marked his first engagement with the press, he revisited themes from his predecessor, Pope Francis, advocating for a shift towards more constructive and less aggressive communication.

“Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred; let us free it from aggression,” Leo proclaimed, encouraging journalists to adopt a more listening approach rather than merely loud proclamations. He stressed the significance of responsible communication, which serves to inform and empower the public in making sound decisions.

The pontiff's address was well-received, drawing enthusiastic applause from the media representatives present. Leo acknowledged the essential nature of free speech and the press, calling it a “precious gift” that must be handled with care. As the new pope, he is continuing a tradition held by his predecessors to nurture relationships with the press, recognizing its vital role in disseminating information about the Vatican's activities.

In an era marked by polarizing narratives and divisive rhetoric, Pope Leo XIV's message resonates with an urgent call for unity and understanding in journalism, as he hopes to foster a culture of peaceful discourse moving forward.