He says journalism is his patriotic duty, even though it made him a target
January 26, 2025
Gaza’s Silenced Voices: The Deadliest War for Journalists in Modern History
January 26, 2025
January 26, 2025 – Italy –
In early 2025, the Vatican made a strong moral and spiritual stand in defense of press freedom. On January 25, during the Jubilee of the World of Communications, Pope Francis addressed thousands of journalists and media workers. Abandoning his prepared speech, he spoke from the heart about the sacred role of communication. He described it as a divine gift meant to “build bridges and communities,” and stressed that authentic storytelling must be rooted in truth and integrity.
Francis called for the release of unjustly imprisoned journalists, pointing out that more than 500 were behind bars globally in 2024. “Freedom for journalists is freedom for all,” he said, insisting that free journalism is essential for safeguarding democratic societies. He also encouraged critical thinking and media literacy, warning against the dangers of misinformation and ideological manipulation.
A few months later, on May 12, newly elected Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first U.S.-born pontiff) echoed these concerns in his first public address to the media. He urged journalists to “disarm words and images,” and resist the use of communication to fuel fanaticism, division, or hatred. He honored journalists who risk their lives to expose injustice, calling those imprisoned for their work “courageous witnesses to freedom.”
At the time of his address, at least 361 journalists were reported jailed worldwide. Pope Leo called for their immediate release and emphasized the critical role of journalists in building peaceful, informed societies. He also touched on the ethical use of artificial intelligence, urging media professionals to ensure it serves truth and the common good.
Both popes delivered a unified message: the world needs journalism that upholds truth, human dignity, and dialogue. In a time of global polarization, their words remind us that press freedom is not just a professional concern—it is a pillar of human freedom itself.
References –
https://www.osvnews.com/freedom-for-journalists-is-freedom-for-all-pope-tells-media-workers/
https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/freedom-journalists-freedom-all-pope-tells-media-workers https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=64582
