Pope Leo XIV and the call to practice ethical, responsible, and free journalism

Truth as the mission of journalism

Monday, May 11, 2026

*Fr. Eduardo Barrios, SJ

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For a long time, journalists who have distinguished themselves through professionalism and ethical responsibility have been recognized and honored.

In the United States, National Doctors’ Day is celebrated on March 30. On Feb. 3, legal professionals are honored with International Lawyers Day.

Just as there are special days honoring different professions, there is also International Journalists’ Day on Sept. 8. And on May 3, something closely related to the profession is celebrated: World Press Freedom Day.

In the world of print, radio, and television communication, there are communicators who serve specific institutions, including religious ones. The Catholic Church has its own media outlets. Those who stand out for their quality are recognized and awarded. The Catholic Media Association of the United States and Canada (CMA) granted 28 awards to La Voz Católica and Florida Catholic Miami in 2023.

In addition, Archbishop Thomas Wenski received recognition for Best Regular Column by a Bishop. The following year, in 2024, journalist Ana Rodríguez-Soto was honored with the prestigious St. Francis de Sales Award.

Journalistic ethics include professionalism and competence in the use of the basic tools of the trade, such as spelling, grammatical and syntactical precision, as well as a strong command of vocabulary. The art of writing and speaking well also requires sobriety in expression. Augmentatives, superlatives, and diminutives should be avoided. One should not exaggerate either by excess or by understatement.

The ethics of journalism are revealed in the search for truth. It may seem easy to find, but it is not. Psychological, environmental, and cultural conditioning weigh heavily on people. Journalists must therefore be aware that they may carry prejudices that hinder their objective perception of reality. For that reason, responsible journalists must carefully investigate the issues or events they cover.

They should consult different sources while seeking to discern the truth. They should never present doubtful information as certain. They must distinguish what is factual from what is merely opinion. And they must remain vigilant so that false information — now commonly called “fake news” — does not infiltrate their work.

When journalists discover improper behavior in individuals or institutions, they may feel obliged to sound the alarm and propose appropriate remedies. However, they must do so based on ethical arguments and should not allow passion to lead them into insults or degrading labels.

It is impossible for communicators to fulfill their mission where dictatorships rule. If conscience prevents them from writing in servile support of an autocratic regime, the best course may be exile, so they can practice their profession where freedom still breathes. Otherwise, they risk losing their freedom through imprisonment — or even their lives.

But everywhere, even in democratic countries, journalistic ethics face challenges. There is never a shortage of powerful figures in finance and partisan politics willing to offer generous “rewards” — in other words, bribes — to capable journalists in exchange for support of their twisted ambitions. That is when truth and morality must be chosen over money. Refuse to sell your profession.

Since the beginning of his Petrine ministry, Pope Leo XIV has addressed several encouraging messages to journalists. He urges them to be “sowers of light,” that is, of truth. Regarding communication style, the Holy Father calls on journalists to “disarm words.” And the compassionate pope has not forgotten to pray for imprisoned journalists and demand their release. He reminds us that freedom of the press is an irreplaceable common good.