In a Jan. 21 message to members of the French Catholic Media Federation, Pope Leo XIV told journalists to focus on the needy and to “disarm hearts.”
“I encourage you to be sowers of good words, amplifiers of voices that courageously seek reconciliation by disarming hearts of hatred and fanaticism,” he wrote, according to Vatican News.
The message was sent to mark the group’s annual event, the Days of St. Francis de Sales, which gathers Catholic journalists from around the world to consider the purpose of Catholic media. It is taking place in Lourdes Jan. 21-23.
The Holy Father encouraged Catholic journalists to pay particular attention to those who are often overlooked by the media.
“In a fragmented and polarized world, be the antennae that pick up and relay what the weak, marginalized, lonely, and those who need to know the joy of feeling loved, are experiencing,” he said.
The Pontiff said that, as artificial intelligence impacts the world, journalists should be sure to recognize the importance of close relationships and to avoid excluding people.
He explained that by reaching this noble goal, Catholic media can offer something crucial to everyone – even those who are not religious.
He also encouraged journalists to look to the example of Father Jacques Hamel, a French priest who was killed by Islamist terrorists in 2016 while saying Mass. Pope Leo observed the fact that the federation has an award named for Fr. Hamel that is given annually to journalists who have promoted peace and interreligious dialogue.
“Father Hamel was convinced that it is urgent to know how to show closeness to others, without exception,” the Holy Father said. “To get to know one another, we must meet without letting ourselves be frightened by our differences, ready to be challenged for who we are and for what we believe in.”