Pope Leo calls for end to polarising 'war of words' in address to media

Pope Leo XIV has said called for an end to a polarising "war of words" as he hosted an audience with international media for the first time.

Speaking in Vatican City, he said "we are living in times that are both difficult to navigate and to recount" - adding they present a "challenge for all of us", but it is one "we should not run away from".

"I repeat to you today the invitation made by Pope Francis in his message for this year's World Day of Social Communications: let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred. Let us free it from aggression," he said.

"Disarmed and disarming communication allows us to share a different view of the world and to act in a manner consistent with our human dignity," he added.

It comes after his first Sunday address since his election as pontiff, where Pope Leo appealed to crowds in St Peter's Square for "no more war".

Recalling the end of the Second World War, Leo quoted his predecessor Pope Francis as he denounced the number of ongoing conflicts as "a third world in pieces".

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