May 18, 2025 English

On May 12th, the 6000 seasoned journalists gathered from around the world enthusiastically received Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Father reminded them that the purpose of journalism is not just to convey information but to communicate the truth. News reports are often delivered from the Babel Tower of ideologies and power politics. He said: "The way we communicate is of fundamental importance: we must say 'no' to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war," imploring them to use communication as a tool for peace.

In this age of inundation of words and media, Pope Leo XIV appealed: "Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred; let us free it from aggression. We do not need loud, forceful communication, but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice."

Disarm words, then we can disarm the world! What a powerful and necessary insight for today! He also acknowledged the heroics of many journalists: "The Church recognizes these witnesses — I am thinking of those who report on war even at the cost of their lives — the courage of those who defend dignity, justice and the right of people to be informed, because only informed individuals can make free choices." Leo reiterated the Church's solidarity with imprisoned journalists and called for their release.

At the end of their first mission, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and addressed the Christian community there: “They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships
to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Proclaiming the gospel and living the virtues of God’s kingdom will inevitably meet resistance, rejection, and persecution from those who prefer darkness to light.
 
However, the Book of Revelation gives us a new perspective: “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away. The One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new” (21:3-5).
 
The Holy Spirit makes everything new beyond our conjecture or expectation, as in the case of Leo XIV's election. His serene confidence in the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance will strengthen the Church in her evangelizing mission. His Midwestern, common-sensical, and earnest pragmatism, combined with his global missionary experience and vision, will enrich his papacy. We all need to choose our words carefully. May we commit ourselves to the gospel values and God’s kingdom of peace and justice!

Fr. Paul D. Lee