Pope Leo XIV Backs News Agencies Against "Art of Lying"

On October 9th, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, delivered a powerful speech encouraging international news agencies to stand firm against the "ancient art of lying" and manipulation. The Chicago-born pontiff, who has been in office for five months, has been a vocal advocate for press freedom and the rights of journalists.

In his address to executives of MINDS International, a consortium of leading news agencies, Leo XIV called for the release of imprisoned journalists and affirmed that journalism is a right, not a crime. He stated that the work of journalists is a "pillar upholding the edifice of our societies" and must be protected and defended.