“The way we communicate is of fundamental importance: we must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war,” according to Pope Leo XIV in his address to an audience with journalists this morning. He implored them to use communication as a tool for peace.
Referencing Pope Francis’ message from the World Day of Social Communications in January, Leo said, “Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred; let us free it from aggression. We do not need loud, forceful communication, but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice.” He asked the journalists to be committed to truth and to a “disarmed and disarming peace,” the expression he used when elected.
The remarks come just one day after the Pope urged for a ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid in Gaza and an end to the war in Ukraine.
“We are living in times that are both difficult to navigate and to recount. They present a challenge for all of us, but it is one that we should not run away from. On the contrary, they demand that each one of us, in our different roles and services, never give in to mediocrity.”
He concluded by saying, “I ask you to choose consciously and courageously the path of communication in favor of peace.”
