Pope Leo XIV supports imprisoned journalists and asks for their release

Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with journalists imprisoned for their work during a recent meeting with media representatives.

“Let me reaffirm today the Church’s solidarity with journalists imprisoned for seeking and reporting the truth, also asking for their release,” the Pope said.

He praised the courage of journalists, especially those who cover war, even at the cost of their own lives. The Pope stressed that they defend dignity, justice, and the right of people to be informed. Pope Leo XIV stressed that “only informed individuals can make free choices.”

In addition, the Pope noted that “the suffering of these imprisoned journalists challenges the conscience of nations and the international community, calling on all of us to defend the precious gift of freedom of speech and the press.”

“Thank you, dear friends, for your service to the truth!” added Pope Leo XIV.

As reported by the Vatican, on May 11, during the first Sunday prayer with the faithful, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV turned his attention to the countries suffering from war, calling for no more war and for a true and just peace to come to Ukraine as soon as possible. “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. May everything be done to achieve a true and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all prisoners be released, and may children return to their families,” urged Pope Leo XIV.

According to verified data from the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), as of today, at least 31 civilian journalists are in russian captivity. The NUJU calls on the international community to increase pressure on the russian federation for the immediate release of all imprisoned media representatives.