Pope hails role of news agencies in post-truth, AI world
Posted on: Oct 09, 2025 13:57 IST | Posted by: Livemint
alexander pope lion XIV th hailed the act of intelligence agencies as a bulwark in an increasingly "post-truth" world, and warned of the dangers of relying on artificial intelligence for information.
"The world needs free, rigorous and objective information," he told an audience at the Vatican of the MINDS International network of news agencies, which includes AFP.
"With your patient and rigorous work, you can act as a barrier against those who, through the ancient art of lying, seek to create divisions in order to rule by dividing," he added.
"You can also be a bulwark of civility against the quicksand of approximation and post-truth."
Careful, ethically-driven reporting was "an antidote to the proliferation of 'junk' information," he said.
Leo noted the crisis facing news and media agencies, which have seen their traditional model of selling advertising to fund their work decimated since the advent of the internet, and AI chatbots now dramatically reducing the number of people accessing their websites.
"Artificial intelligence is changing the way we receive information and communicate, but who directs it and for what purposes?" the pope asked.
"We must be vigilant in order to ensure that technology does not replace human beings, and that the information and algorithms that govern it today are not in the hands of a few."
Leo, the first US head of the Catholic Church, has himself been a victim of "deep fake" videos online, which show him appearing to make speeches pieced together using AI.
He had previously called for journalists jailed around the world to be released, and repeated Thursday that their work "can never be considered a crime".
Leo also paid tribute to the journalists killed while working, calling them "victims of war and of the ideology of war, which seeks to prevent journalists from being there at all".
"We must not forget them! If today we know what is happening in Gaza, Ukraine, and every other land bloodied by bombs, we largely owe it to them," he said.
Pope Leo urged citizens to "value and support professionals and agencies that demonstrate seriousness and true freedom in their work".
"Free access to information is a pillar that upholds the edifice of our societies, and for this reason, we are called to defend and guarantee it," he said.
cmk-ar/ams/cc
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.