Pope Francis defends freedom of the press to “distinguish truth from lies” – Society

This Friday, Pope Francis considered freedom of the press fundamental to distinguish truth from lies, in a message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

“Freedom of the press is fundamental to developing a prudent critical sense,” wrote the head of the Catholic Church on social media, quoted by the Spanish agency EFE.

Francis added that freedom of the press is crucial “to distinguish truth from lies and to learn to work in a non-ideological way for justice, peace and respect for creation.”

The non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warned this Friday that governments around the world are putting increasing pressure on journalists and restricting press freedom globally.

RSF also accused the international community of not doing enough to protect journalists in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where around 100 information professionals died.

According to RSF’s annual index for 2024, which assesses the situation of press freedom in 180 countries, only 25% of those analyzed have a “satisfactory” or “good” situation, the majority of which are European.

“RSF notes a worrying deterioration in support and respect for the autonomy of the media and an increase in pressure exerted by States or other political actors,” the organization said.

RSF’s press freedom index is topped by Norway, followed by Denmark and Sweden.

Portugal rose two places compared to 2023, now ranking seventh, after Estonia and ahead of Ireland, Switzerland and Germany.

“Press freedom is solid in Portugal. Journalists can report without restrictions, but face economic, legal and security challenges”, concluded RSF in the report.