VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Monday called for the release of imprisoned journalists and affirmed the “precious gift of free speech and the press” in an audience with some of the 6,000 journalists who descended on Rome to cover his election as the first American pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV held his first public audience with members of the media, saying the church stood in solidarity with them for "seeking the truth."

Pope Leo XIV has expressed solidarity with imprisoned journalists and affirmed the “precious gift of free speech and the press.”