On Thursday, Mons. Pope Leo XIV told the assembled newswire professionals in what was widely considered a clarion call to action. He noted the critical function that journalism serves in a democracy. His Holiness highlighted the need for vigilance to make sure that technological advances complement, rather than take the place of face-to-face interactions and communication. The Pope called for greater equity in the distribution of knowledge and algorithms. He cautioned that letting them all focus in the hands of only a couple of folks could be problematic.
During his speech, the Pope acknowledged the significant contributions of journalists who report from high-conflict areas, specifically highlighting those working in Gaza and Ukraine. He noted their courage, their commitment to each other. These frontline reporters are often the first and most vital sources of information during crises.
From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has been a passionate advocate for positive journalism. He is a leading proponent of the kind of framework that would acknowledge journalism as a critical public good. His prepared remarks left no doubt about his determination. He pointed out that free access to information is key to the security of open and democratic societies.
“Free access to information is a pillar that upholds the edifice of our societies, and for this reason, we are called to defend and guarantee it.” – Pope Leo XIV
The Pope was right to point to the threats disinformation brings in this new digital era. He touched on the responsibility that journalists have to act quickly and with accountability when it comes to reporting breaking news. From the days of rolling live coverage, our process of receiving news has shifted. As digitization increases, the need for thorough, up-to-date news reporting only increases.
“Journalists working for news agencies are called upon to be the first to arrive on the scene and report on the breaking news. This is even more true in the era of continuous live communication and the increasingly pervasive digitisation of mass media.” – Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV called for greater protection against the spread of false information, which he called “junk” information. He called upon reporters not to let anyone infringe on their power and question entities that attempt to tarnish their credibility.
“I urge you: never sell out your authority.” – Pope Leo XIV
At the same time, he underscored that public communication must be protected from the corrosive practice of clickbaiting, which he called dehumanizing. Pope Francis emphasized the transformative power of active citizenship. He challenged us all to not support those media organizations and journalists committed to true freedom and seriousness in their craft.
“One form of active citizenship is to value and support … agencies that demonstrate seriousness and true freedom in their work … a virtuous circle that benefits society as a whole.” – Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV’s words are a testament to his steadfast belief in journalism as a critical institution in democratic societies. His call for vigilance regarding technology’s role in communication serves as a reminder of the need for ethical standards in media practices.