VATICAN CITY (AP) — On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the crucial role of international news agencies in maintaining integrity and truth in journalism. He described them as a necessary bulwark against the "ancient art of lying" and manipulation, reiterating his support for a free, independent, and objective press.
As the first American pope in history, Leo called for the release of imprisoned journalists, asserting that their work should never be criminalized. According to him, journalism is not just a profession but a "right" that constitutes a fundamental pillar supporting the "edifice of our societies." He praised the tireless efforts of journalists, stating, "If today we know what is happening in Gaza, Ukraine, and every other land bloodied by bombs, we largely owe it to them." He underscored the importance of their accounts in ensuring that information is not manipulated for ends contrary to truth and human dignity.
Pope Leo's remarks were made during a speech directed at executives of MINDS International, a consortium of prominent news agencies, including The Associated Press. Since his election five months ago, the Chicago-born pontiff has consistently spoken out in favor of safeguarding freedom of expression and defending journalists' rights. In his inaugural meeting with reporters, he again voiced support for imprisoned journalists and highlighted the "precious gift of free speech and the press."
In more recent statements, he has reiterated that journalism is not merely an act of justice but a duty for those who aspire to a robust and participatory democracy. He conveyed this message in a letter to a dedicated Peruvian journalist facing multiple lawsuits as a result of her work, emphasizing that the freedom of the press is an "inalienable common good."
During the address, Pope Leo passionately urged news agencies to maintain their integrity amidst a dual crisis: declining economic support and a growing public inability to discern truth from falsehood. "I urge you: Never sell out your authority!" he declared emphatically. He referenced Hannah Arendt’s "The Origins of Totalitarianism," recounting her assertion that the world requires free and objective information, warning of the dangers when people can no longer distinguish between fact and fiction.
Lastly, discussing the obstacles presented by advancements in artificial intelligence, Pope Leo encouraged reporters and news agencies to remain steadfast. "With your patient and rigorous work, you can act as a barrier against those who, through the ancient art of lying, seek to create divisions in order to rule by dividing," he stated. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of the news agencies as a bulwark of civility against the pervasive trend of approximation and post-truth in today's society.
