Pope Leo XIV called for a kinder, gentler mass media, one that speaks up for those with no voice and in defense of free speech, and urged regimes around the world that jail journalists to set them free.

In his first audience with the press, the pontiff renewed his support for a more peaceful world and quoted his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had called for communication that is free from aggression.

Pope Leo XIV begins his first full week as leader of the world's Catholics on Monday, with journalists, diplomats and top Vatican officials all set to meet the newly elected pontiff. Pomp and prayer marked the initial days of the pontificate of the former Robert Francis Prevost,