Pope Leo XIV met with more than 6,000 journalists and media workers on Monday just days after the election, continuing the tradition supported by his predecessor, Pope Francis in 2013 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.
As he entered the Vatican auditorium, he received a warm welcome and a standing ovation. “Thank you for this amazing reception,” he told the crowd.
In his 15-minute speech, Pope Leo XIV mainly reflects the role of communication as a tool to achieve peace. “The way we communicate is fundamentally important. We have to say “no” to the war of words and images. We have to reject the paradigm of war,” he said.
“Disarm all your biases and resentment, fanaticism and even hate communication. Let’s release you from attack,” he continued.
The new Pope emphasized that “we need to strive for different kinds of communication: it is not at all sacrifices for consensus, avoiding positive language and rejecting a culture of competition.”
“Peace starts with each and every one of us. In a way we see others, listen to others, and talk about others,” he said, reiterating the idea that communication plays an important role in fostering peace.
Pope Leo XIV also emphasized the value of freedom of the press and expressed solidarity with journalists currently incarcerated around the world.
“The suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the consciences of the nation and the international community, calling on us all to protect the precious gifts of freedom of speech and the press,” he said.
At the end of the address, Pope Leo XIV stepped off the stage and greeted several journalists, exchanging smiles and short words.
