Pope Leo XIV on Sunday remembered journalists and reporters killed by war and violence, warning that press freedom is often violated around the world.
Speaking after the May 3 Regina Caeli in St. Peter's Square, the pope noted that the day marked World Press Freedom Day, promoted by UNESCO.
"Unfortunately, this right is often violated — sometimes blatantly, sometimes in more subtle ways," Pope Leo said. "Let us remember the many journalists and reporters who have fallen victim to wars and violence."
The pope's appeal came as press freedom faces growing pressure worldwide. According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index from Reporters Without Borders, global press freedom has deteriorated to its lowest point in at least 25 years, with more than half of the world's countries now classified as being in a "difficult" or "very serious" situation for journalism.
The organization has warned that journalists face mounting economic pressure, direct violence, legal threats, and other restrictions that compromise the independence of the media.
The pope also marked the beginning of May, a month traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting Catholics to pray the rosary.
"The month of May has begun: throughout the Church, the joy of gathering in the name of Mary, our Mother, is renewed, especially by praying the Rosary together," he said.
Leo entrusted his intentions to Mary, "particularly for communion within the Church and for peace in the world."
Earlier, in his catechesis before the Marian prayer, the pope reflected on Sunday's Gospel from the Last Supper, in which Jesus tells his disciples: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
Leo said this promise "involves us from this moment onwards in the mystery of his Resurrection" and reveals that "God has a place for everyone."
"Even now, faced with death, Jesus speaks of a home, but this time a very large one," he said. "It is the house of his Father and our Father, where there is room for all."
The pope contrasted the world's attraction to exclusive places and privileges with the new world opened by the risen Christ.
"In the new world into which the risen One leads us, however, what is most valuable is within everyone's reach," he said. "Gratitude takes the place of competition; welcome overcomes exclusion; and abundance no longer entails inequality."
Leo said faith frees the heart "from the anxiety of possessing and acquiring" and from the illusion that human worth depends on prestige.
"Each person already has infinite worth in the mystery of God, which is the true reality," he said.
By living Christ's new commandment of love, the pope said, Christians already "anticipate heaven on earth."
"By loving one another as Jesus has loved us, we impart this awareness to one another," he said. "This is the new commandment; in this way, we anticipate heaven on earth and reveal to all that fraternity and peace are our calling."
The pope concluded by asking Catholics to pray to Mary Most Holy, Mother of the Church, "that every Christian community may be a home open to all and attentive to each person."
After the Regina Caeli, Leo greeted pilgrims from Rome and many countries, including Spain, the United States, Malaysia, and Peru. He also thanked the Meter Association, which for 30 years has worked to defend minors from abuse, support victims, and promote prevention.
"Thank you for your service!" the pope said.
This story was first published in two parts by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated, combined, and adapted by EWTN News English.
