Pope Leo XIV's passionate plea to the world's media as he issues six-word message

Pope Leo XIV delivered a stirring address to a captivated audience of journalists and dignitaries at the Vatican, marking his inaugural press conference with a call for peace in communication.

He humorously hoped aloud that attendees would "stay awake to the end" of his discourse.

The Pontiff declared: "Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred. Let us free it from aggression. "We do not need loud, forceful communication but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice.

In a plea for peaceful dialogue, he added: "Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world. Communication is not only the transmission of information but it is also the creation of a culture, of human and digital environments that become spaces for dialogue and discussion."

Reflecting on the complexities of modern times, he noted: "We are living in times that are both difficult to navigate and to recount. They present a challenge for all of us.", reports

Throughout his speech, the crowd frequently interrupted with enthusiastic applause, cheers, and chants of "Viva Papa". The turnout was immense, with thousands filling the vast auditorium adjacent to where he resided before his election last Thursday.

Standing before The Resurrection sculpture in the Paul VI Audience Hall, Pope Leo XIV implored the media to reject the war of words and images.

Furthermore, he reiterated the Church's support for incarcerated journalists fighting for truth and called for their liberation.

In a powerful statement to the press, Pope Leo underscored the critical role of journalists: "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 urged the media to bravely embrace communication that promotes peace, saying, "For this reason, I ask you to choose courageously the path of communication in favour of peace."

During his inaugural Sunday blessing, the pontiff made a heartfelt plea for peace in Ukraine and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Pope Leo is set to be officially installed during a mass at St Peter's Square on Saturday, with Prince Edward attending as the representative of the King.

In an unrelated twist, President Donald Trump has attempted to take credit for the election of an American pope, despite having no involvement in the selection process.

The new pope, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, hails from Chicago.

This follows Mr Trump's controversial claim that he should be Pope, which included sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pontiff, causing a stir among some Catholics.