VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo on Sunday 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.

World Press Freedom Day, sponsored by U.N.…