Leo XIV calls for release of imprisoned journalists

Pope Leo XIV called for the release of journalists imprisoned "for seeking and telling the truth," to whom he expressed "the Church's solidarity," on Monday during an audience with media representatives.

"The Church recognizes in these witnesses — I think of those who report on war even at the risk of their lives — the courage of those who defend dignity, justice, and the right of peoples to be informed," he stated, considering that "only informed people can make free choices."

The head of the Catholic Church stated that "the suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the conscience of nations and the international community, calling on all of us to protect the precious good of freedom of expression and the press."

"You are on the front lines to narrate conflicts and hopes for peace, situations of injustice and poverty, and the silent work of many for a better world. That is why I ask you to choose with conscience and courage the path of peaceful communication," said the 69-year-old pope, elected Thursday after two days of conclave.

Robert Francis Prevost had already urged the "great ones of this world" to peace on Sunday, during his first Sunday prayer from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

Emphasizing the "challenges" of "traveling and telling" about "difficult" times, he called to "never give in to mediocrity."

The spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics also considered that "one of the most important challenges is to promote communication capable of getting us out of the +Tower of Babel+ where we sometimes find ourselves."

He also highlighted the challenge of "artificial intelligence," a theme he already addressed on Saturday in front of cardinals, which he says requires "responsibility and discernment."

"A loud, muscular communication is not necessary," he added, urging instead to prioritize "a communication capable of listening, of gathering the voices of the voiceless."