James O'Reilly
In the first Regina Caeli of the month of May, Pope Leo XIV honored the Virgin Mary and encouraged the faithful to pray the rosary.
Drawing from the Gospel reading for the day, the pope offered the following reflection, focusing on what Jesus promises the Apostles: that he would return to take to himself those faithful to the Gospel.
POPE LEO XIV
Dear friends, in the old world in which we are still journeying, what draws attention are exclusive places, experiences accessible to only a few, the privilege of entering where no one else can. Instead, in the new world to which the Risen One leads us, what is most valuable is within everyone’s reach.
This day also marked World Press Freedom Day, which is a right that is becoming increasingly difficult to guarantee in many parts of the world according to the pope.
POPE LEO XIV
Unfortunately, this right is often violated—sometimes blatantly, sometimes in more subtle ways. Let us remember the many journalists and reporters who are victims of war and violence.
According to various organizations, 2025 was the deadliest recorded year for the press to date . The annual report by the Committee to Protect Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists estimate that 129 journalist were killed worldwide last year.
