Pope Honours Journalists Killed in War Zones on World Press Freedom Day

Vatican City - Pope Leo marked World Press Freedom Day by paying tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while reporting in conflict zones. The pontiff addressed the faithful in a Sunday prayer at Saint Peter’s Square, highlighting the importance of independent journalism and the growing threats faced by reporters.

The day is sponsored by UNESCO and aims to show support for media organizations under pressure or censorship. It also serves as an opportunity to commemorate journalists who have been killed while pursuing their work. Pope Leo urged the faithful to remember journalists and reporters who have lost their lives in conflict areas, particularly those who have fallen victim to war and violence.

According to a recent report by the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs’ Costs of War project, Israel’s war on Gaza has resulted in the highest number of media worker fatalities ever recorded. The report found that since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed 232 Palestinian journalists.

In past speeches, Pope Leo has emphasized the significance of journalism as a pillar of society and democracy, and the importance of safeguarding information as a public good. He has also frequently called for the release of journalists who have been unfairly detained or prosecuted. The latest report from Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) found that freedom of the press around the world has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, with more than half of countries classified as “difficult” or “very serious” for press freedom.

Source: Al Jazeera