Pope Leo XIV on Sunday remembered journalists and correspondents killed in war and violence, warning that press freedom is often violated around the world.
Speaking After Regina Caeli in St. Peter’s Square on May 3, the Pope said that the day is World Press Freedom Day, promoted by UNESCO.
Pope Leo said, “Unfortunately, this right is often violated – sometimes blatantly, sometimes in more subtle ways.” “Let us remember the many journalists and journalists who have been victims of war and violence.”
The Pope’s appeal comes at a time when press freedom is under increasing pressure around the world. According to Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 World Press Freedom Index, global press freedom has reached its lowest level 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 organization warns that journalists face increasing economic pressure, overt violence, legal threats, and other restrictions that compromise media freedom.
The Pope also marked the beginning of May, a month traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, by inviting Catholics to pray the rosary.
He said, “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.”
Leo entrusted his intentions to Mary, “especially for unity within the Church and peace in the world.”
Earlier, in his catechesis before the Marian prayer, the Pope reflected on the Gospel of Sunday’s Last Supper, in which Jesus tells his disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may also be.”
Leo said that this promise “incorporates us from this very moment into the mystery of his resurrection” and shows that “God has room for everyone.”
He said, “Even now, facing death, Jesus speaks of a house, but this time much bigger.” “This is their father’s and our father’s home, where there is room for everyone.”
The Pope compared the world’s attraction to exclusive places and privileges to the new world opened up by the risen Jesus Christ.
He said, “In the new world where the risen man leads us, however, what is most valuable is within everyone’s reach.” “Gratitude replaces competition; welcome overcomes exclusion; and abundance is no longer inequality.”
Leo said that faith frees the heart from “anxiety about possessing and obtaining authority” and from the illusion that human worth depends on reputation.
He said, “Each person already has infinite value in the mystery of God, who is true reality.”
By living out Christ’s new commandment of love, Christians already “hope for heaven on earth,” the Pope said.
“By loving one another as Jesus loved us, we impart this awareness to one another,” he said. “This is the new commandment; in this way, we hope for heaven on earth and tell everyone that brotherhood and peace are our vocation.”
The Pope concluded by asking Catholics to pray to Mary Most Holy, Mother of the Church, “so that every Christian community may become a home open to all and attentive to each person.”
After Regina Caeli, Leo welcomed pilgrims from Rome and many countries, including Spain, the United States, Malaysia and Peru. He also thanked the Meter Association, which has worked for 30 years to protect minors from abuse, support victims and promote prevention.
“Thank you for your service!” Pope said.
this story was first published In two parts By ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language affiliate of EWTN News. It has been translated, compiled and adapted by EWTN News English.
