Pope Leo XIV today marked World Press Freedom Day by denouncing the frequent violation of this right globally and honoring the “countless” journalists who have fallen victim to conflict and violence.
“Today, we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, sponsored by UNESCO. Unfortunately, this right is frequently violated, sometimes blatantly and other times in a hidden manner,” the Pope lamented from the window of the Apostolic Palace during the ‘Regina Caeli’ prayer, which replaces the ‘Angelus’ during the Easter season.
In his address, the American pontiff—who will celebrate the first anniversary of his election this coming Friday—remembered the “numerous journalists and reporters victims of wars and violence” across the world.
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The United Nations dedicates every May 3rd to press freedom as a “fundamental” right for peace and human rights. The most recent report on global trends between 2022 and 2025 recorded the sharpest decline for the press since 2012.
Furthermore, Leo XIV reminded the hundreds of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square that the month of May is consecrated to the Virgin Mary, entrusting to her intercession his prayers “for communion in the Church” and “for peace in the world.”
