Pope calls for release of imprisoned journalists

12 May

ON SOURCE: BBC

Live Reporting

Edited by Emily Atkinson

Pope Leo urges release of imprisoned journalists in first news conference

Pope Leo has just finished his news conference in Vatican City, during which he emphasised the importance of careful communication 'in favour of peace'.

He urged the assembled press to say no to the 'war' of words and images, and he reiterated the Church's solidarity with imprisoned journalists 'seeking the truth' and asked for their release.

Concluding his address, he quoted his predecessor, Pope Francis:

'Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred. Let us free it from aggression.

'We do no need loud forceful communication, but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice.

'Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world.'

Summary

• Pope Leo XIV demands the release of imprisoned journalists in the first news conference of his pontificate

• Addressing the world's media in Vatican City, he says he reiterates the Church's solidarity with them for 'seeking the truth'

• He also calls for 'the precious gift of free speech' to be safeguarded, and adds: 'Let us disarm words...so we can disarm the world'

• Pope Leo was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and a two-day conclave in the Vatican

ON SOURCE: BBC