On World Press Freedom Day, Pope honours journalists killed in war zones
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Pope Leo commemorated World Press Freedom Day by condemning violations against media freedom globally and honoring journalists killed in conflict zones.
- He emphasized the importance of independent journalism and highlighted the increasing threats faced by reporters, urging remembrance of those who lost their lives pursuing the truth.
- A recent report revealed that Israel’s war on Gaza has been the deadliest conflict for media workers, with 232 Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023, surpassing casualties in several major historical wars combined.
- The pope reiterated that journalism is a pillar of democracy and information a public good that must be protected, often calling for the release of unfairly detained journalists.
- Reporters Without Borders reported that global press freedom is at its lowest level in 25 years, with over half of countries categorized as having “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for journalism, indicating increasing criminalization of the profession.
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