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RSF Releases 2025 Press Freedom Index
On World Press Freedom Day, a leading press freedom organization reported the worst year for media freedom in its history, with more than half of countries facing difficult conditions. The Pope honored journalists killed in conflict zones and condemned violations of media rights. A prominent journalist called for an independent body to investigate crimes against reporters.
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World Press Freedom Day highlighted severe challenges to journalism globally, with a key index showing a record low in press freedom scores. The annual index from Reporters Without Borders indicated that for the first time, more than half of all countries are classified as having difficult or very serious press freedom conditions.
Only one percent of the world's population lives in countries rated as good for press freedom.
XIV marked the day by condemning violations of media freedom and paying tribute to journalists killed in conflict zones. He addressed the crowd during his weekly Sunday prayer in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.
“Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day … unfortunately, this right is often violated, sometimes in blatant ways, sometimes in more hidden forms.”
The pontiff urged remembrance of journalists who lost their lives pursuing the truth, particularly in areas of war and violence. He described journalism as a pillar of society and democracy.
Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent at The Sunday Times, advocated for an independent body to investigate crimes against journalists. She discussed the issue in an interview, emphasizing the need amid rising threats. The report from Reporters Without Borders noted that the global average score is at a record low in its 25-year history.
