Pope Leo XIV has condemned ongoing attacks on Press freedom worldwide and paid tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Pope made the remarks on Sunday to mark World Press Freedom Day, observed annually to highlight the importance of a free and independent media.
Speaking after his weekly Sunday prayer at Saint Peter’s Square, the Pope stressed the vital role of independent journalism and warned against ‘the increasing dangers faced by media professionals.’
“Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, yet this right is still violated in many parts of the world, sometimes openly and sometimes in subtle ways,” he said.
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The Pontiff called on believers to remember journalists and reporters who have died while seeking to uncover the truth, especially in war-torn regions.
“We remember the many journalists and reporters who have become victims of war and violence,”Pope Leo said.
In previous remarks, the head of the Catholic Church has described journalism as essential to democracy and society, emphasising that information is a public good that must be protected from manipulation.
He has also repeatedly praised journalists for reporting the truth, insisting that journalism should never be treated as a crime, while calling for the release of reporters unjustly detained or prosecuted.
World Press Freedom Day, organised by UNESCO and marked annually on May 3, serves to support media organisations facing censorship or pressure and to honour journalists killed in the line of duty.
