Pope Leo yesterday marked World Press Freedom Day by condemning persistent violations of media freedom around the world and paying tribute to journalists killed while reporting from conflict zones.

Speaking at the end of his weekly Sunday prayer, in a sun-flooded Saint Peter’s Square, the pontiff said the day highlighted both the importance of independent journalism and the growing threats faced by reporters.

“Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day ... unfortunately, this right is often violated, sometimes in blatant ways, sometimes in more hidden forms,” he said.

The pope urged the faithful to remember journalists and reporters who have lost their lives pursuing the truth, particularly in areas afflicted by conflicts.

“We remember the many journalists and reporters who have been victims of war and violence,” the pope said.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Rome and the Vatican this week, an Italian government source said yesterday, weeks after President Donald Trump’s stinging criticism of Pope Leo.

Italian media reported that Rubio would meet the US pontiff himself on Thursday, but there was no immediate confirmation of this.