World Press Freedom Day: Pope Condemns Infringement of Media Freedom
Pope Leo XIV used World Press Freedom Day to condemn the ongoing infringement of media freedom worldwide and paid tribute to journalists who tragically died while reporting in conflict zones. His remarks underscore the importance of press independence and the severe threats faced by reporters.
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- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 08:51
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Vatican, May 3rd, comprehensive foreign report) Pope Leo XIV today, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, condemned the continued infringement of media freedom around the world and paid tribute to journalists who tragically died while reporting in conflict zones.
According to Reuters, the Pope made these remarks in the sun-drenched Saint Peter's Square after concluding his weekly Sunday prayer. He pointed out that World Press Freedom Day not only highlights the importance of press independence but also demonstrates the increasingly severe threats faced by journalists.
The Pope stated: "Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day... unfortunately, this right is often violated, sometimes openly, sometimes in more hidden forms."
The Pope called on the faithful to remember the journalists and media workers who lost their lives in pursuit of truth, especially those reporting in conflict-ridden areas.
He said: "We remember many journalists and media workers who became victims of war and violence."
World Press Freedom Day, supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is observed annually on May 3rd, aiming to show solidarity with media organizations facing pressure or censorship and to commemorate journalists who died in the line of duty.
Pope Leo XIV has often, in his past speeches, positioned journalism as a pillar of society and democracy, emphasizing that information is a public good that must be defended and protected from manipulation.
His Holiness also frequently thanks journalists for conveying the truth, stating that engaging in journalism should never be considered a crime, and often calls for the release of journalists who are unjustly detained or prosecuted. (Compiler: Qu Xiangping) 1150504
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.
(Central News Agency, Vatican, May 3rd, comprehensive foreign report) Pope Leo XIV today, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, condemned the continued infringement of media freedom around the world and paid tribute to journalists who tragically died while reporting in conflict zones.
According to Reuters, the Pope made these remarks in the sun-drenched Saint Peter's Square after concluding his weekly Sunday prayer. He pointed out that World Press Freedom Day not only highlights the importance of press independence but also demonstrates the increasingly severe threats faced by journalists.
The Pope stated: "Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day... unfortunately, this right is often violated, sometimes openly, sometimes in more hidden forms."
The Pope called on the faithful to remember the journalists and media workers who lost their lives in pursuit of truth, especially those reporting in conflict-ridden areas.
He said: "We remember many journalists and media workers who became victims of war and violence."
World Press Freedom Day, supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is observed annually on May 3rd, aiming to show solidarity with media organizations facing pressure or censorship and to commemorate journalists who died in the line of duty.
Pope Leo XIV has often, in his past speeches, positioned journalism as a pillar of society and democracy, emphasizing that information is a public good that must be defended and protected from manipulation.
His Holiness also frequently thanks journalists for conveying the truth, stating that engaging in journalism should never be considered a crime, and often calls for the release of journalists who are unjustly detained or prosecuted. (Compiler: Qu Xiangping) 1150504
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.