Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Pope Leo XIV calls for press freedom, release of jailed journalists

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 12 May 2025 15:47
2 Min Read

In his first media address, Pope Leo XIV urges truth in journalism, rejects media division, and calls for the release of 361 jailed reporters worldwide.

Listen
  • x
  • Newly elected Pope Leo XIV concelebrates Mass with the College of Cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, the day after he is elected 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, May 9, 2025 (AP)
    Newly elected Pope Leo XIV concelebrates Mass with the College of Cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, the day after he is elected 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, May 9, 2025. (AP)

The new pope condemned media polarization, defended imprisoned reporters, and stressed AI responsibility in journalism.

In his first official address to journalists, Pope Leo XIV called on members of the press to reject division and partisanship, urging them instead to focus on truth-telling and responsible communication.

Addressing thousands of reporters at the Vatican, Leo warned against a “war of words and images” and emphasized the media’s role in bridging divides rather than inflaming them.

“The way we communicate is of fundamental importance,” said the pope. “We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images; we must reject the paradigm of war.”

Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, also highlighted the plight of journalists detained worldwide. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 361 reporters are jailed globally as of the end of 2024. Leo called their suffering a moral challenge to the international community.

Related News

White smoke rises: US Cardinal Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV - Vatican

Cardinals continue voting in 2025 Papal Conclave to elect new Pope

“The suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the conscience of nations and the international community,” he said, “calling on all of us to safeguard the precious gift of free speech and of the press.”

Pontiff speaks on responsible use of AI in the newsroom

In a nod to emerging technology, Leo also addressed the role of artificial intelligence in journalism, urging caution and responsibility.

“Ensure that it can be used for the good of all,” he said, “so that it can benefit all of humanity.”

Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis. A relatively unknown figure on the global stage, Leo spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru. He is the first US-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

The meeting marked his first audience with a large public group at the Vatican. Entering the audience hall, he was met with enthusiastic applause.

Delivering most of his remarks in Italian, Leo opened with a light-hearted comment in English, “Thank you for this wonderful reception. They say that when they clap at the beginning, it doesn’t matter much. If you’re still awake at the end and still want to applaud—thank you very much.”

  • Catholic Church
  • AI in journalism
  • Pope Leo XIV
  • Jailed Journalists
  • Vatican

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS