During his first formal meeting with the press on Monday, Pope Leo XIV appealed to journalists to help reduce the confrontational tone prevalent in today’s media, renewing his call for global peace.
Drawing inspiration from his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo emphasized the importance of employing measured language when communicating facts to the public.
"Let us rid communication of all bias, bitterness, fanaticism, and hatred; let us free it from aggression," Pope Leo XIV said to an audience of over 1,000 journalists, including members of the Vatican Press Corps, gathered in Vatican City. Speaking in Italian, he added, "We do not need loud, forceful communication but rather a form of dialogue that listens."
He further highlighted the critical role of informed citizens in making wise decisions and underscored the invaluable nature of free speech and a free press.
The newly elected pontiff was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the assembled media, many of whom have been covering his papacy's early days, including the recent passing of his predecessor, the funeral, and the conclave that elected him. His address, a customary practice for new popes, was frequently met with rounds of applause.
For the past five papacies, new popes have met with the press shortly after their election, reflecting the Vatican’s appreciation for public communication and its commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with journalists.
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