Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, addressed 6,000 journalists in his first public meeting at the Vatican. He stressed the importance of free speech and the press, advocating for the release of imprisoned journalists worldwide. He urged journalists to use words for peace, rejecting the "war of words," and highlighted the courage of journalists reporting on conflict. Leo also hinted at upcoming Vatican plans, including a potential trip to Turkey, and engaged informally with journalists, joking about a possible tennis match.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.