Pope Leo XIV, "Let Us Disarm Words to help Disarm the World"

Newly elected Pope meets with journalists, calls for peaceful and truthful communication Just four days after being chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV met with journalists in Rome and spoke about the importance of honest and peaceful communication, according to Vatican News. On Monday, the Pope thanked the media in a meeting at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. He praised their hard work during the events of the past weeks, including the death of Pope Francis, the papal election, and the beginning of his ministry. A Call for Peaceful Communication Pope Leo XIV said tha

Newly elected Pope meets with journalists, calls for peaceful and truthful communication Just four days after being chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV met with journalists in Rome and spoke about the importance of honest and peaceful communication, according to Vatican News. On Monday, the Pope thanked the media in a meeting at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. He praised their hard work during the events of the past weeks, including the death of Pope Francis, the papal election, and the beginning of his ministry. A Call for Peaceful Communication Pope Leo XIV said that the way we speak and write can shape society. “The way we communicate is of fundamental importance,” he said. “We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images; we must reject the paradigm of war.” He asked the media to help build peace. He said they should avoid using angry or harmful words and not try to divide people just to get attention. “Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred,” he said. “Let us disarm words, and we will help disarm the world.” Support for Journalists in Danger The Pope also spoke about journalists who suffer or are jailed for telling the truth. He said the Church supports them and called for their freedom. “Only informed individuals can make free choices,” he reminded everyone, saying that freedom of the press is essential for a free society. Serving the Truth Pope Leo XIV thanked reporters for trying to show the Church in a true and loving way. He encouraged them to go beyond stereotypes. “Share with the world the essence of who we are,” he said, “and show the beauty of Christ’s love.” He noted that the world faces many hard problems today, and both the Church and the media must do their best to respond wisely and bravely. “We are the times,” he said, quoting Saint Augustine. “Let us live well, and the times will be good.” Responsible Use of AI The Pope also mentioned the rise of artificial intelligence. He said AI has great potential, but it must be used carefully. “It requires responsibility and discernment in order to ensure that it can be used for the good of all,” he said. Creating a Culture of Dialogue In his final words, Pope Leo XIV reminded the media that communication isn’t just about sharing facts, it’s about shaping the culture. “Communication is… the creation of a culture, of human and digital environments that become spaces for dialogue and discussion,” he said. With a warm but firm voice, the Pope invited all journalists to become peacemakers through their words.