Pope Leo XIV captivated the global press corps with humor and candor in his first media audience, signaling a new era of Vatican-media relations that emphasizes truth and peace.

At a Glance

• Pope Leo XIV began his first media audience with journalists with a humorous English joke, earning enthusiastic applause from the international press corps
• The Pope called for “disarming communication” by removing prejudice, resentment, fanaticism and hatred from media discourse
• He emphasized the importance of free speech and press while advocating for communication that listens rather than shouts
• Leo XIV expressed solidarity with journalists imprisoned for truth-telling and thanked reporters for their coverage during the papal transition
• The Pope warned against communication that promotes division and called for responsible use of new technologies including artificial intelligence

A Warm Welcome to the Global Press

Pope Leo XIV broke the ice with the international press corps by opening his inaugural media audience with humor. Speaking in English, he thanked journalists for their applause and quipped that he hoped they would remain awake throughout his address. The lighthearted moment set the tone for an audience that frequently erupted in applause, demonstrating the Pope’s ability to connect with the media representatives gathered to cover his new papacy following Pope Francis’s death and funeral.

The Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall was filled with media professionals from around the world, eager to hear the new pontiff’s perspective on their profession and his vision for Church-media relations. This traditional papal audience with journalists follows a long-established Vatican custom, yet Leo XIV brought his own distinct style to the proceedings, balancing seriousness with moments of warmth and accessibility.

Earlier today, Pope Leo XIV held his first audience with media since becoming pontiff.

CNN Vatican Correspondent @ctrlamb was one of the few journalists who was selected by lottery for a more intimate meet and greet.

Here's what happened👇 pic.twitter.com/JFZ4otpt09

— CNN International PR (@cnnipr) May 12, 2025

Call for Responsible Communication

During his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the critical role of journalism in fostering peace and shaping society’s culture. He called for more measured language in media communications, echoing themes previously championed by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The Pope stressed that proper information is essential for sound decision-making and praised freedom of speech and press as precious gifts that should be used responsibly.

“Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred,” Pope Leo XIV urged. “Let us free it from aggression.”

The Pope’s message highlighted the transformative potential of communication when stripped of inflammatory rhetoric. Rather than viewing communication as merely transmitting information, he portrayed it as creating spaces for genuine dialogue and thoughtful discussion. This approach aligns with traditional Catholic social teaching while addressing contemporary challenges in an increasingly polarized media landscape.

In his first address to international media on Monday, Pope Leo XIV thanked journalists for their service to the truth and for communicating peace in difficult times.

“We are living in times that are both difficult to navigate and to recount. They present a challenge for all of… pic.twitter.com/GGcSctNVBo

— EWTN News (@EWTNews) May 12, 2025

Standing with Persecuted Journalists

In a significant gesture of solidarity, Pope Leo XIV expressed support for journalists imprisoned worldwide for reporting the truth. He called for their release, underscoring the Vatican’s commitment to press freedom as a cornerstone of just societies. This statement carries particular weight given the increasing threats faced by journalists in numerous countries where persecution for truth-telling has intensified in recent years.

“We do not need loud, forceful communication but rather communication that is capable of listening,” stated the Pope, emphasizing a more thoughtful approach to media discourse.

The Pope specifically thanked reporters for their service to truth and their portrayal of the Church during the interregnum period following Pope Francis’s death. His acknowledgment of media’s role in accurately representing Church events signals an openness to transparent coverage, while his cautions against ideological or partisan language demonstrate his desire for balanced reporting on religious matters.

Facing Modern Challenges Together

Looking toward the future, Pope Leo XIV addressed emerging technological challenges, particularly the responsible use of artificial intelligence in communications. He emphasized the need for ethical discernment in deploying these powerful tools, reflecting growing Vatican concern about technology’s impact on truth and human dignity. This forward-looking stance positions the Church as engaged with contemporary issues rather than isolated from modern developments.

The Pope concluded his remarks by invoking his predecessor’s vision of disarming language to help disarm the world. This powerful metaphor connects media ethics to broader peace-building efforts, suggesting that responsible journalism contributes to conflict resolution and social harmony. For conservative observers, this emphasis on civil discourse represents a welcome call for returning to fundamental values in public communications.