Pope Liu invites the release of journalists from prison

Pope Liu fourteenth called for the release of journalists imprisoned in his first speech to the Vatican media members.

He expressed his solidarity with the journalists who were imprisoned “to search for the truth and report it” and said that their suffering “challenges the conscience of nations and the international community.”

He said that freedom of the press should be defended. The media should guarantee that the “precious gift” of freedom of expression is protected.

The committee for the protection of journalists said 361 journalists were in prison in 2024.

Pope Leo, who was chosen as a new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, highlighted the role that journalists can play in attracting attention to injustice and poverty in the world.

He urged the media to focus on reporting the truth instead of participating in party divisions, and not giving space to “intolerance and hatred.”

He spoke in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, he said: “The way we communicate is of basic importance: We must say” no “for the war of words and images, we must reject the model of war.”

He said: “We do not need to communicate loudly and strongly, but the communication that is able to listen and collect the voices of the weak who have no voice.”

The new Pope also raised concerns about artificial intelligence, and the collected media told that they should use artificial intelligence with “responsibility and discrimination”.

He said that journalists should make sure that artificial intelligence can be used “in favor of all humanity.”

Leo XIV spoke mainly in Italian, but opened with Quip in English about the huge applause tour he received when he entered the room.

“Thank you for this wonderful reception,” he said.

“They say that when they applaud at first, it doesn’t matter much. If you are still awake in the end and you still want to praise, thank you very much.”