Pope Francis on Sunday paid tribute to journalists who have died or been jailed in the line of duty, defending a free press and praising those in the media who courageously report on “humanity’s wounds”.
Speaking to thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly address and blessing, Francis noted that May 3 will be the United Nations World Press Freedom Day.
“I render homage to journalists who pay in person for this right,” he said, citing statistics that 47 journalists were killed and more than 350 jailed last year.
He did give the source of the statistics. UNESCO, the U.N. organisation that sponsors World Press Freedom Day, said earlier this year that 55 journalists and media workers were killed in 2021.
Trending Stories
Organizers say ‘Rolling Thunder’ protest ending in Ottawa
Bill Murray accepts his behavior on set led to complaint, pause of latest film
“A special thanks to those who, with courage, keep us informed about humanity’s wounds,” the pope said.
Last month Francis honoured journalists killed covering the Russia-Ukraine war, saying he hoped God would reward them for serving the common good.
Pope decries ‘Easter of War,’ calls for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – Apr 17, 2022
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists says it has confirmed that at least seven journalists have died while covering the war in Ukraine and is investigating whether others were killed because of their work.
Reporters Without Borders, which is based in Paris, says it has documented a number of attacks directly targeting journalists wearing “Press” arm bands in Ukraine.
(Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
© 2022 Reuters
