Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday from Vatican City urged people to support journalism and free speech instead of relying on technology to learn about important current events and form opinions. Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 9 (UPI) — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday publicly voiced his support of journalism and free speech and the need to protect both as they face increased attacks today.
The pontiff urged others to support free speech and journalism while hosting participants of the 39th Conference of the MINDS International Association at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
“It is a paradox that in the age of communication, news and media agencies are undergoing a period of crisis,” Pope Leo said.
“Similarly, those who consume information are also in crisis, often mistaking the false for the true and the authentic for the artificial.”
The pope said media fulfill a “crucial role in forming consciences and helping critical thinking,” and journalists have risked their lives to provide coverage of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
“Information is a public good that we should all protect,” Pope Leo said. “In times such as ours, marked by widespread and violent conflicts, many have died while carrying out their duties.”
He said journalists have become the “victims of war” and those who seek to prevent journalists from covering important events.
“Journalists working for news agencies are called upon to be the first to arrive on the scene and report the breaking news,” the pontiff said.
“This is even more true in the era of continuous live communication and the increasingly pervasive digitization of mass media.”
Pope Leo also warned against the potential spread of misinformation by artificial intelligence and other technologies.
“Algorithms generate content and data at a scale and speed never seen before,” the pontiff said. “But who controls them?”
He said the public must remain “vigilant” to ensure that technology does not take the place of people and enable a very few who create algorithms and control technology to control the flow of information and news.
Pope Leo in May also voiced his support for journalists who have been imprisoned for doing their jobs in locations around the world.
The Pope’s latest comments came as journalists face scrutiny in Chicago and have been attacked and arrested in Portland, Ore., while covering important events, The Hill reported.
The Chicago News Guild other news outlets on Monday filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Department of Homeland Security and ICE of using excessive force while carrying out operations in the greater Chicago area.
President Donald Trump also has referred to many news outlets as “fake news” and accused some journalists of reporting propaganda instead of facts.
Several journalists joined a White House discussion on antifa on Wednesday and described death threats and attacks made against them.