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.

Jumping straight into the geopolitical fray, the words of the U.S.-born pontiff are meant to single out Vladimir Putin — a notable difference with Pope Francis. The timing may also be just right to help his fellow American,

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.