Pope Leo Invites the Media to Stand in Solidarity with Rome and Calls for an End to Hateful Communications

On May 12, 2025, Pope Leo XIV welcomed media representatives from around the world to the Vatican, expressing gratitude for their coverage of recent events in Rome. In his address, he called on news organizations to stand in solidarity with the mission of the Church, urging them to move away from reporting on what he characterized as divisive or hateful—content he believes undermines efforts toward global unity and harmony.

The Holy See Press Office published the following remarks by Pope Leo XIV during his meeting with the media.

• “I welcome you, representatives of the media from around the world. Thank you for the work you have done and continue to do in these days, which is truly a time of grace for the Church.” [1]

• “Let me, therefore, reiterate today the Church’s solidarity with journalists.” [1]

• “Thank you, dear friends, for your service to the truth. You have been in Rome these past few weeks to report on the Church.” [1]

• “Today, one of the most important challenges is to promote communication that can bring us out of the ‘Tower of Babel’ in which we sometimes find ourselves, out of the confusion of loveless languages that are often ideological or partisan.” [1]

• “Dear friends, we will get to know each other better over time. We have experienced—we can say together—truly special days.” [1]

• “Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred; let us free it from aggression.” [1]

• “Disarmed and disarming communication allows us to share a different view of the world and to act in a manner consistent with our human dignity. You are at the forefront of reporting on conflicts and aspirations for peace.” [1]

Pope Leo XIV is asserting his influence over the global media narratives, advocating for a unified message that aligns with his vision of a spiritually and politically united world. In his address, his call to end the spread of hate and confusion is part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and curtail free and independent communications. Under the guise of promoting peace, the Pope’s appeal effectively is pressuring media outlets to make sure that their reporting will unite people, build bridges, and be in harmony with the Vatican’s positions.

In the final conflict between truth and error, free speech will be indispensable for ensuring that the message of God’s Word will be proclaimed with boldness and without restriction. As the world moves toward greater unity, there will certainly be efforts not only to consolidate political and religious power but also to enforce a single ideological narrative. As spiritual darkness deepens and opposition to biblical truth intensifies, the ability to speak freely will become a vital tool for those called to share the gospel and expose error.

Censorship, whether by governments, religious authorities, or media institutions, poses a direct threat to the proclamation of the everlasting gospel of Revelation 14:6-12. In such a time, the unfiltered presentation of this gospel must not be silenced, for it is through the open public dissemination of God’s truth that light will pierce the darkness, calling souls to repentance and preparing them for Christ’s return.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4.

Sources

[1] https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/05/12/250512d.html