Pope Leo XIV stated this Friday (9) that the space for “genuine freedom of expression” is shrinking in the West and criticized what he called a “new Orwellian language”.
The pontiff made the comments in a speech to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See in the Hall of Blessings, in the Vatican.
“We must note the paradox that the weakening of language is often invoked in the name of freedom of expression itself. However, on closer analysis, the opposite is true, as freedom of expression is guaranteed precisely by the certainty of language and the fact that each term is anchored in truth”, stated Leo XIV.
“It is painful to see how, especially in the West, the space for genuine freedom of expression is rapidly shrinking. At the same time, a new Orwellian language is developing that, in an attempt to be increasingly inclusive, ends up excluding those who do not conform to the ideologies that feed it”, added the pontiff.
In the speech, given to offer New Year’s greetings, Leo XIV also called for solutions to the conflicts in the Gaza Strip (currently in a ceasefire, but with the next steps still undefined) and in Ukraine and made reference to the United States military operation in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, which culminated in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro last Saturday (3).
“The growing tensions in the Caribbean Sea and along the American Pacific coast are also a cause for serious concern. I reiterate my urgent appeal to seek peaceful political solutions to the current situation, bearing in mind the common good of the people and not the defense of partisan interests,” the pope said.
“This applies, in particular, to Venezuela, in light of recent events. In this sense, I renew my appeal to respect the will of the Venezuelan people and safeguard the human and civil rights of all, guaranteeing a future of stability and harmony”, stated Leo XIV.
