Pope Leo XIII said, "The suffering of imprisoned journalists challenges the conscience of the nation and the international community, and calls on all of us to uphold the freedom of the press and its precious values."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Pope Leo XIII made this statement during his first press conference held on the 12th (local time) at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. Pope Leo XIII also emphasized that the media should use responsibility and insight when utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), stating, "I hope AI is used for the benefit of all humanity and in a way that helps everyone."
Pope Leo XIII highlighted the importance of reducing bias, anger, fanaticism, and hatred through communication, quoting his predecessor, Pope Francis. He stated, "We need communication that is not large and coercive, but one that can listen and gather the voices of the vulnerable who cannot speak," and added, "By disarming words, we can contribute to disarming the world."
Pope Leo XIII expressed his intention to visit Turkey this year to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, continuing the plans of Pope Francis. However, when a U.S. journalist asked if he planned to visit his hometown of Chicago as the first pope from the United States, Pope Leo XIII replied, "I don't think so."