Pope Leo XIV has sent a strong message of support to the Peruvian journalists who investigated and denounced abuse by members of the Church. "The victims of the former spiritual family of the Sodalitium, along with the journalists who supported them with courage, patience, and commitment to the truth, reflect the wounded yet hopeful face of the Church," said the Pontiff in a message read out on Friday, June 20, in Lima, at the end of the theatrical presentation of "Proyecto Ugaz", a play inspired by the life of journalist Paola Ugaz, according to Vatican News.
The papal message was read aloud by Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, Apostolic Commissioner for the Sodalitium case. In it, the Pope highlighted the value of investigative journalism and particularly thanked Ugaz for having visited the Vatican on Nov. 10, 2022, to ask for protection from the attacks she was suffering along with fellow journalists Pedro Salinas, Daniel Yovera and Patricia Lachira.
The pontiff also highlighted the importance of defending press freedom as a pillar of democracy. “In this time of deep institutional and social tensions, defending free and ethical journalism is not only an act of justice, but a duty for all who aspire to a strong and participatory democracy," he said. “Wherever a journalist is silenced, the democratic soul of a country is weakened.”
