Pope Leo XIV updates: Pope rejects 'war of words,' applauds journalists

Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of journalists at the Vatican on Monday, warning against the "communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred."

"We do not need loud, forceful communication, but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice," the new leader of the Catholic Church said.

"Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world," he added. "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."

"Blessed are the peacemakers," Leo said, recalling a blessing attributed to Jesus Christ.

The pope urged reporters "to strive for a different kind of communication, one that does not seek consensus at all costs, does not use aggressive words, does not follow the culture of competition and never separates the search for truth from the love with which we must humbly seek it."

"We must say 'no' to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war," Leo continued, also expressing the church's solidarity with imprisoned journalists.

Leo also again warned of the dangers associated with artificial intelligence, telling reporters that the technology has "immense potential" but "requires responsibility and discernment in order to ensure that it can be used for the good of all, so that it can benefit all of humanity."

"Thank you, dear friends, for your service to the truth," Leo said.

-ABC News Phoebe Natanson

Addressing crowds in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV noted the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and -- echoing his predecessor Pope Francis -- declared, "Never again war."

Leo urged an end to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. "I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people," he said. "Let us do everything possible to reach a genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all prisoners be freed and children be able to return to their families."

"I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip," he added. "Let the fire cease immediately. Let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population and let all hostages be freed."

"On the other hand, I welcomed with satisfaction the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through the upcoming negotiations we can soon reach a lasting agreement," Leo continued.

-ABC News' Phoebe Natanson

Pope Leo XIV addressed crowds at the Vatican on Sunday, asking those gathered to pray for the priesthood.

The new pope spoke to the crowd to give the Regina Caeli prayer. Police estimated that there were around 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square to watch Leo's address.

-ABC News’ Phoebe Natanson

On his way back to the Vatican, Leo stopped by the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis, according to the Vatican press office.

He also prayed at the icon of the Virgin, Salus Populi Romani, that is the same icon Pope Francis used to visit before and after every foreign visit and in other occasions.

-ABC News' Phoebe Natanson