Pope Leo XIV calls for the release of imprisoned journalists, says free speech is a "precious gift"

Pope Leo XIV called free speech and the press a "precious gift" as he asked for the release of imprisoned journalists. He made the comments during an audience with some of the 6,000 journalists from around the world who descended on Rome over the past week to cover his election as the first U.S.-born pontiff.

Leo received a standing ovation as he entered the Vatican auditorium for his first meeting with representatives of the general public.

The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary, who was born in Chicago, called for journalists to use words of peace, to reject war and to give a voice to the voiceless.