Pope Leo XIV condemned violations of media freedom and paid tribute to slain journalists during his weekly Sunday prayer, multiple news outlets report.
Leo marked World Press Freedom Day by urging the crowd to remember reporters who have lost their lives pursuing the truth as he spoke from a window of the Apostolic Palace in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
He also called for the release of journalists who have been detained or unfairly prosecuted.
World Press Freedom Day honors media organizations facing pressure and censorship from their governments and commemorates journalists who have died pursuing the truth. The day is sponsored by UNESCO and is observed on May 3.
