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By Tom Jones and Angela Fu

Pope Leo XIV has called on journalists around the world to stand firm in defense of truth, warning that disinformation poses a grave danger to democracy and the dignity of human life. Addressing media executives at the 39th Conference of the MINDS International Association, the Pope praised the profession as essential to safeguarding truth in an era of falsehoods and manipulation.

“Doing the work of a journalist can never be considered a crime,” Leo declared. “It is a right that must be protected.” He commended reporters who risk their lives to keep the world informed, noting that many have died in conflict zones such as Gaza and Ukraine. “We must not forget them,” he said. “These extraordinary eyewitnesses ensure that information is not distorted for ends contrary to truth and human dignity.”

In a speech that mixed moral exhortation with pointed political undertones, Leo urged the media to serve as “a barrier against those who, through the ancient art of lying, seek to create divisions in order to rule by dividing.” He warned against “the quicksand of approximation and post-truth,” emphasizing that transparency, accountability, and objectivity are vital to restoring citizens’ trust. “Never sell out your authority,” he implored.

Citing philosopher Hannah Arendt, Leo cautioned that totalitarianism thrives when people can no longer distinguish fact from fiction. He also addressed the growing power of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping information. “Algorithms generate content and data at a speed never seen before,” he said. “But who controls them? We must be vigilant to ensure technology does not replace humanity.”

The Pope’s remarks came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy by boasting, “We took the freedom of speech away,” while defending an executive order to punish flag desecration—an act protected under the First Amendment. Critics saw the comment as another troubling sign of hostility toward press freedom and open expression.

MSNBC’s Steve Benen wrote that Trump’s statement reflected “an aggressive campaign against the First Amendment” and was “a classic example of a politician saying the quiet part out loud.”

For Pope Leo XIV, however, the message was clear: truth remains the cornerstone of democracy, and journalism, its indispensable guardian.