Pope calls for journalists to be released from prison

Pope Leo XIV has called for the merchandise of imprisoned journalists successful his archetypal code to members of the media astatine the Vatican.

He expressed solidarity with journalists who were jailed "for seeking and reporting the truth" and said their suffering "challenges the conscience of nations and the planetary community".

Press state indispensable beryllium defended, helium said. The media indispensable guarantee that the "precious gift" of escaped code is protected.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said 361 journalists were successful jailhouse successful 2024.

Pope Leo, who was chosen arsenic the caller person of the Catholic Church connected Thursday, besides highlighted the relation journalists tin play successful bringing attraction to injustice and poorness successful the world.

He urged the media to absorption connected reporting the information alternatively of taking portion successful partisan divisions, and not to springiness abstraction to "fanaticism and hatred."

Speaking successful the Vatican's Paul VI assemblage hall, helium said "the mode we pass is of cardinal importance: we indispensable accidental 'no' to the warfare of words and images, we indispensable cull the paradigm of war."

"We bash not request loud, forceful communication," helium said, "but alternatively connection that is susceptible of listening and of gathering the voices of the anemic who person nary voice."

The caller pope besides raised concerns astir artificial intelligence, telling the assembled media they should usage AI with "responsibility and discernment."

Reporters should guarantee that AI tin beryllium utilized for the "benefit of each of humanity," helium said.

Leo XIV spoke chiefly successful Italian, but opened with a quip successful English astir the immense circular of applause helium received erstwhile helium walked into the room.

"Thank you for this fantastic reception," helium said.

"They accidental that erstwhile they clap astatine the beginning, it doesn't substance much. If you're inactive awake astatine the extremity and inactive privation to applaud, convey you precise much."