Pope Leo XIV yesterday remembered journalists and reporters killed by war and violence, warning that press freedom is often violated around the world. Source: EWTN News.
Speaking after the Regina Caeli in St Peter’s Square, the Pope noted that the day marked World Press Freedom Day, promoted by UNESCO.
“Unfortunately, this right is often violated – sometimes blatantly, sometimes in more subtle ways,” Pope Leo said. “Let us remember the many journalists and reporters who have fallen victim to wars and violence.”
The Pope’s appeal came as press freedom faces growing pressure worldwide. According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index from Reporters Without Borders, global press freedom has deteriorated to its lowest point in at least 25 years, with more than half of the world’s countries now classified as being in a “difficult” or “very serious” situation for journalism.
The organisation has warned that journalists face mounting economic pressure, direct violence, legal threats, and other restrictions that compromise the independence of the media.
The Pope also marked the beginning of May, a month traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting Catholics to pray the rosary.
“The month of May has begun: throughout the Church, the joy of gathering in the name of Mary, our Mother, is renewed, especially by praying the Rosary together,” he said.
Leo entrusted his intentions to Mary, “particularly for communion within the Church and for peace in the world.”
Earlier, in his catechesis before the Marian prayer, the Pope reflected on Sunday’s Gospel from the Last Supper, in which Jesus tells his disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”
Leo said this promise “involves us from this moment onwards in the mystery of his Resurrection” and reveals that “God has a place for everyone”.
“Even now, faced with death, Jesus speaks of a home, but this time a very large one,” he said. “It is the house of his Father and our Father, where there is room for all.”
Leo said faith frees the heart “from the anxiety of possessing and acquiring” and from the illusion that human worth depends on prestige.
“Each person already has infinite worth in the mystery of God, which is the true reality,” he said.
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Pope Leo XIV remembers journalists killed by war and violence (By Victoria Cardiel, EWTN News)
