by InTrieste
Pope Leo XIV on Monday held his first official meeting with journalists since his election, addressing more than 6,000 media professionals gathered in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. In a message centered on responsibility and reconciliation, the newly elected pontiff urged reporters to embrace “the path of communication in favor of peace.”
The event marked a continuation of a modern papal tradition, following similar early meetings held by Pope Francis in 2013 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. But for Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in Chicago, the moment also offered a personal opportunity to set the tone for his leadership.
“You are at the forefront of reporting on conflicts and aspirations for peace, on situations of injustice and poverty, and on the silent work of so many people striving to create a better world,” he said. “For this reason, I ask you to choose consciously and courageously the path of communication in favor of peace.”
Greeted with sustained applause, the Pope responded with humor. “When they clap at the beginning, it doesn’t matter much,” he said. “If you’re still awake at the end and still want to applaud, thank you very much.”
The 68-year-old pontiff used the occasion to call for greater care in public discourse, encouraging media professionals to “disarm words” and to move away from what he described as “loud, forceful communication.”
Following his remarks, Pope Leo descended from the stage and spent time greeting attendees, moving through the crowd with ease and familiarity. In scenes more reminiscent of a celebrity encounter than a formal papal audience, he smiled for photos, signed autographs—and even autographed a baseball handed to him by an American journalist.
Though still in the early days of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has signaled a focus on unity and peacemaking, themes likely to continue shaping his public message in the weeks and months ahead. Vatican officials have yet to announce his next public engagements.
