Pope Leo XIV Champions Free Speech in Landmark Address

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, expressed his solidarity with imprisoned journalists and praised free speech during his first meeting with the public. He urged journalists to promote peace and give a voice to the voiceless while receiving a standing ovation at the Vatican.

On Monday, Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with imprisoned journalists and emphasized the vital values of free speech and a free press. Addressing an audience of 6,000 journalists in Rome who gathered to cover his historic election as the first American pope, Leo highlighted the significance of these freedoms.

Amidst a standing ovation, Pope Leo entered the Vatican auditorium, marking his debut public engagement as the new pontiff. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary was elected following a swift 24-hour conclave last week.

Pope Leo XVI encouraged journalists to use their words as tools for peace and to uplift the voices of the marginalized, underscoring a commitment to rejecting conflict and supporting the voiceless in their work.

(With inputs from agencies.)