Sun 01 May 2022:
On Sunday, Pope Francis paid tribute to journalists who have died or been imprisoned in the line of duty, defending a free press and applauding journalists who bravely report on “humanity’s wounds.”
Francis mentioned the United Nations World Press Freedom Day in his weekly address and blessing to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square.
“I render homage to journalists who pay in person for this right,” he said, citing statistics that 47 journalists were killed and more than 350 jailed last year.
He did, however, provide the numbers’ source.
According to UNESCO, the United Nations organization that celebrates World Press Freedom Day, 55 journalists and media workers were killed in 2021.
“A special thanks to those who, with courage, keep us informed about humanity’s wounds,” the pope said.
Last month Francis honoured journalists killed covering the Russia-Ukraine war, saying he hoped God would reward them for serving the common good.
The Committee to Protect Journalists, based in New York, claims it has confirmed the deaths of at least seven journalists while reporting the conflict in Ukraine and is investigating whether more journalists have been killed as a result of their work.
Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based organization, claims to have documented a series of attacks in Ukraine specifically targeting journalists wearing “Press” armbands.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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