Just a few days after becoming the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV met with more than 6,000 journalists and media workers at the Vatican. The meeting took place on Monday in the Vatican’s large auditorium, where reporters and media teams from across the globe had gathered for an early audience with the pope.
This event follows a long-standing tradition, continued by his predecessors Pope Francis in 2013 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, where newly elected popes greet and speak with the press shortly after taking office.
A Warm Welcome at the Vatican
The auditorium was filled with applause and energy as Pope Leo XIV walked into the room. Attendees gave him a standing ovation, and he smiled warmly as he waved to the crowd.
“Thank you for this wonderful reception,” he said, beginning his speech with humility and gratitude. His gentle tone set the stage for a thoughtful and powerful message directed to journalists.
A Call to Use Words for Peace
In his 15-minute address, Pope Leo XIV focused on the role of the media in shaping public thought and encouraging peace. He challenged journalists to avoid using harmful or divisive language.
“We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images,” he said, warning against the use of media as a weapon. The pope asked communicators to stay away from words filled with prejudice, anger, or hate. Instead, he encouraged stories and messages that promote kindness, understanding, and respect.
“Peace begins with how we see, hear, and speak about one another,” the pope added. His message reflected a deep belief that peace can grow through respectful conversation and honest reporting.
Turning Away from Conflict and Division
Pope Leo XIV also spoke about how the media sometimes fosters competition and division. He asked the press to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation.
He urged journalists to listen carefully and report in a way that honors every person’s dignity. “Communication should not be about winning arguments,” he explained. “It should be about building bridges.”
He made clear that truth should never be sacrificed, but it should be shared with empathy. He added that creating false balance or forcing agreement can do more harm than good when facts are ignored.
Strong Support for Press Freedom
Another important part of the pope’s speech focused on the protection of press freedom. Pope Leo XIV did not shy away from serious global concerns. He expressed sorrow for journalists around the world who have been jailed, silenced, or harmed for their work.
“The suffering of imprisoned journalists is a moral challenge for the whole world,” he said. He called on the international community to speak out for press freedom and to protect those who risk their lives to report the truth.
His words echoed recent global efforts to defend freedom of the press. In countries where journalists face harassment, censorship, or violence, his statement sent a clear signal that the Church stands for their rights.
A Personal Touch After the Speech
Following his speech, Pope Leo XIV stepped down from the stage and walked toward the front rows. There, he greeted several journalists personally, shaking hands, exchanging smiles, and engaging in short conversations. This small but powerful gesture showed his desire to connect on a human level.
Many journalists present said they were moved not only by his words but by his willingness to meet them face-to-face. One reporter from Spain said, “It wasn’t just a speech. It was a conversation.”
Continuing a Legacy of Openness
By holding this audience so soon after his election, Pope Leo XIV showed that he values transparency and openness in the Church’s relationship with the media. His message is likely to shape how he communicates throughout his papacy.
He reminded the world that the media has great power—not just to inform, but to heal, teach, and inspire.
As the Vatican begins this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, his message to the press stands out as a hopeful call for balance, respect, and peace through communication.