The pontiff said Christians reveal that \u201cfraternity and peace are our calling\u201d by loving as Christ loved.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday remembered journalists and reporters killed by war and violence, warning that press freedom is often violated around the world.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the May 3 Regina Coeli in St. Peter\u2019s Square, the pope noted that the day marked World Press Freedom Day, promoted by UNESCO.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, this right is often violated \u2014 sometimes blatantly, sometimes in more subtle ways,\u201d Pope Leo said. \u201cLet us remember the many journalists and reporters who have fallen victim to wars and violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope\u2019s 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\u2019s countries now classified as being in a \u201cdifficult\u201d or \u201cvery serious\u201d situation for journalism.<\/p>\n
The organization has warned that journalists face mounting economic pressure, direct violence, legal threats, and other restrictions that compromise the independence of the media.<\/p>\n
The pope also marked the beginning of May, a month traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting Catholics to pray the rosary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Leo entrusted his intentions to Mary, \u201cparticularly for communion within the Church and for peace in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier, in his catechesis before the Marian prayer, the pope reflected on Sunday\u2019s Gospel from the Last Supper, in which Jesus tells his disciples: \u201cIf 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leo said this promise \u201cinvolves us from this moment onwards in the mystery of his Resurrection\u201d and reveals that \u201cGod has a place for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEven now, faced with death, Jesus speaks of a home, but this time a very large one,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is the house of his Father and our Father, where there is room for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope contrasted the world\u2019s attraction to exclusive places and privileges with the new world opened by the risen Christ.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the new world into which the risen One leads us, however, what is most valuable is within everyone\u2019s reach,\u201d he said. \u201cGratitude takes the place of competition; welcome overcomes exclusion; and abundance no longer entails inequality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leo said faith frees the heart \u201cfrom the anxiety of possessing and acquiring\u201d and from the illusion that human worth depends on prestige.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach person already has infinite worth in the mystery of God, which is the true reality,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
By living Christ\u2019s new commandment of love, the pope said, Christians already \u201canticipate heaven on earth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBy loving one another as Jesus has loved us, we impart this awareness to one another,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is the new commandment; in this way, we anticipate heaven on earth and reveal to all that fraternity and peace are our calling.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope concluded by asking Catholics to pray to Mary Most Holy, Mother of the Church, \u201cthat every Christian community may be a home open to all and attentive to each person.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the Regina Coeli, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for your service!\u201d the pope said.<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0in\u00a0two parts\u00a0by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated, combined, and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n