Just days into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV held his first official press audience, addressing more than 6,000 journalists at the Vatican. The event took place in the Paul VI Audience Hall on Monday and marked a powerful moment of reflection on the role of media in modern society.

The pope’s message was clear: journalism must be a force for peace, truth, and human dignity. He warned against the dangers of inflammatory language and called on media professionals to focus on dialogue and respect over division and conflict.

A Warm Welcome from the Pontiff

The auditorium filled with applause as Pope Leo XIV entered, smiling and greeting attendees. “Thank you for this wonderful reception,” he said warmly. His appearance followed in the footsteps of previous pontiffs who also met with media shortly after being elected.

This early meeting was seen by many as a gesture of respect and openness toward the press, which plays a key role in shaping public opinion and building global understanding.

“Disarm Communication,” Says Pope Leo XIV

In his 15-minute speech, the pope called on journalists to avoid violence in how they report.

“We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images,” he said. “Let us disarm communication—free it from prejudice, resentment, and fanaticism.”

He stressed that peaceful language begins with how we see, hear, and speak to one another. According to the pope, the media has the unique power to either divide or unite people depending on how stories are told.

Reject Hostility, Embrace Truth

Pope Leo XIV warned of the dangers of communication that favors popularity over accuracy. He encouraged journalists to focus on truth and humanity rather than clicks and controversy.

“Peace begins in the way we look at others, listen to others, and speak about others,” he noted.

He also denounced the rise of what he called a “culture of competition,” where media outlets race to outdo each other rather than report fairly and ethically.

Support for Press Freedom and Journalist Protection

A significant part of the speech centered on press freedom. Pope Leo XIV expressed strong concern for journalists imprisoned or silenced for doing their jobs.

“The suffering of these journalists challenges the conscience of nations,” he stated.

He urged world leaders and international bodies to safeguard the rights of reporters and promote free expression across all societies.

A Personal Touch: Pope Meets Journalists One-on-One

Following his remarks, Pope Leo XIV stepped down from the podium and spent time greeting individual journalists. Smiles, brief conversations, and warm handshakes followed—an action that left many reporters deeply moved.

This gesture underlined the pope’s desire to promote mutual understanding, not just in words but through actions.

A New Chapter for Media Relations in the Vatican

The Vatican’s early outreach to the press under Pope Leo XIV signals a renewed focus on transparent and ethical journalism. By stressing the link between communication and peace, the pope hopes to inspire a global media culture grounded in respect, dialogue, and truth.

This message arrives at a time when disinformation, online hate, and declining trust in news institutions are major global issues. The pope’s call to “disarm communication” offers a timely reminder of journalism’s deeper purpose.

Pope Leo XIV’s first message to the press sets a tone of hope and accountability. He encourages media professionals to rise above noise and division and to embrace their role as stewards of peace.

As the world watches how his papacy unfolds, one thing is clear: the pope sees the press not as an enemy, but as a partner in the pursuit of truth and justice.