During his first press conference in the Vatican on Monday – with approximately 6,000 reporters present – the American Pope condemns the imprisonment of journalists who "seek and report the truth.
The suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the consciences of nations and the international community and urges us all to protect the valuable gift of freedom of expression and press freedom, he says.
The Pope, who received a standing ovation when he arrived at the press conference, warns journalists at the same time against using their words to spread hatred.
Leo XIV was elected to the papacy by the conclave in the Vatican.
