By Paschal Norbert
“Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world.” — Pope Leo XIV
ROME, MAY 13, 2025 (CISA) – In his first major address to the global press, Pope Leo XIV delivered a passionate and poignant message to media professionals gathered in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on May 12, 2025. Speaking with characteristic warmth and clarity, the new pope urged journalists to reject aggression and sensationalism in favour of truthful, peace-driven storytelling that upholds human dignity.
“You are at the forefront of reporting on conflicts and aspirations for peace, on situations of injustice and poverty,” said the Pope, urging “For this reason, I ask you to choose consciously and courageously the path of communication in favour of peace.”
The Pope’s meeting with media representatives came shortly after the conclusion of the conclave that elected him, following the death of Pope Francis. In his address, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the journalists for their tireless work during a period he described as a “time of grace” for the Church.
Reflecting on the Beatitudes, the Holy Father invoked Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” as a challenge to all communicators to be builders of peace in both content and tone.
“We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war,” Pope Leo XIV declared.
“Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world,” Pope Leo XIV told the press, underscoring the transformative power of communication rooted in Gospel values.
With firm conviction, he reiterated the Church’s solidarity with journalists imprisoned for reporting the truth, calling for their immediate release.
“The suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the conscience of nations,” he said, recognizing their work as a defense of “dignity, justice, and the right of people to be informed.”
Pope Leo XIV also touched on the evolving landscape of journalism, highlighting the influence of artificial intelligence. He warned that technological advances, while promising, must be approached with “responsibility and discernment” to ensure they serve the common good.
Citing St. Augustine, “We are the times”, he challenged journalists not to retreat from their role in shaping culture but to live and communicate well. He praised the media for moving beyond clichés and stereotypes in their reporting on the Church, particularly during the emotional days following the death of Pope Francis and the conclave that followed.
As he concluded his address, the Holy Father extended an invitation inspired by his predecessor: to disarm communication of prejudice, resentment, and hatred, and instead embrace listening, compassion, and service to the truth.
The media, Pope Leo XIV emphasized, has the power to illuminate the mystery of our shared humanity and to foster peace in a fractured world—one story, one word at a time.
