Pope Leo calls for release of jailed journalists, notes their courage

aljazeera.comPublished: 5/12/2025

Summary

Pope Leo XIII has called on journalists imprisoned for reporting on conflicts to be freed, emphasizing free speech as a sign of courage. The pontiff also reiterated his commitment to peace, urging reporters to promote dialogue over conflict and abandon divisive rhetoric. During his first public appearance, he highlighted the suffering of people in places like Ukraine and Gaza, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and release of held prisoners.