Pope Leo XIV Emphasizes News Agencies’ Role in Truthful Reporting

Pope Leo XIV addressed the vital role of news agencies in maintaining truth and integrity in a world increasingly characterized as “post-truth.” Speaking to members of the MINDS International network of news agencies, including AFP, at the Vatican on Thursday, he underscored the importance of reliable information in combating misinformation and division.

“The world needs free, rigorous, and objective information,” Pope Leo stated, highlighting the responsibility of news organizations to counteract deception. He described the work of journalists as a protective barrier against those who seek to manipulate the truth for their own gain. He warned against the dangers posed by misinformation, stating, “You can also be a bulwark of civility against the quicksand of approximation and post-truth.”

Challenges Facing Journalism Today

The Pope acknowledged the significant challenges currently facing news and media agencies. He noted that the traditional revenue model of selling advertising is under severe pressure due to the rise of the internet and artificial intelligence. “Artificial intelligence is changing the way we receive information and communicate,” he said, raising concerns about who controls these technologies and for what purposes.

Pope Leo urged the audience to remain vigilant to ensure that technology does not supplant human judgment in reporting. He stressed the necessity of ethical journalism as an antidote to the growing prevalence of “junk” information. “We must ensure that information and algorithms that govern it today are not in the hands of a few,” he cautioned.

Furthermore, the Pope shared his personal experiences with misinformation, recalling how he had been a victim of “deep fake” videos that misrepresented his speeches. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for journalists imprisoned worldwide, emphasizing that their work “can never be considered a crime.”

Honoring Journalists and the Importance of Free Access to Information

Pope Leo also paid tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while reporting, describing them as “victims of war and of the ideology of war.” He emphasized the critical role journalists play in bringing global issues to light, noting, “If today we know what is happening in Gaza, Ukraine, and every other land bloodied by bombs, we largely owe it to them.”

He urged citizens to value and support professionals and agencies that exhibit integrity and independence in their work. “Free access to information is a pillar that upholds the edifice of our societies,” he declared, calling on everyone to defend this essential freedom.

The Pope’s remarks serve as a reminder of the crucial role that journalism plays in promoting transparency and informed public discourse in today’s complex world. As news agencies navigate the evolving landscape of information dissemination, their commitment to truth remains more critical than ever.