Leo XIV's denunciation of the growing attacks on freedom of expression and their origin

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right that is being subjected to increasing attacks, even in democratic countries.

The words of Pope Leo XIV denouncing the massacres against Christians in Nigeria
Leo XIV claims “the dignity of every person”, including “the unborn”

This Friday, January 9, Pope Leo XIV made a clear denunciation of these attacks in a speech to diplomats accredited to the Holy See. He began by pointing out a phenomenon parallel to this regression in freedoms: "Today, the meaning of words is ever more fluid, and the concepts they represent are increasingly ambiguous." Leo XIV stated: "We need words once again to express distinct and clear realities unequivocally." He added:

"We should also note the paradox that this weakening of language is often invoked in the name the freedom of expression itself. However, on closer inspection, the opposite is true, for freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed precisely by the certainty of language and the fact that every term is anchored in the truth. 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-style language is developing which, in an attempt to be increasingly inclusive, ends up excluding those who do not conform to the ideologies that are fueling it."

The words of Leo XIV are a clear reference to the growing censorship promoted by progressive ideology, which tends to identify as "hate speech" anything that contradicts its dogmas. Leo XIV pointed out in his speech that "this leads to other consequences that end up restricting fundamental human rights, starting with the freedom of conscience," recalling that this right "allows individuals to refuse legal or professional obligations that conflict with moral, ethical or religious principles deeply rooted in their personal lives."

Leo XIV has given, among others, the example of "the refusal on the part of doctors and healthcare professionals to engage in practices such as abortion or euthanasia," adding:

"At this moment in history, freedom of conscience seems increasingly to be questioned by States, even those that claim to be based on democracy and human rights. This freedom, however, establishes a balance between the collective interest and individual dignity. It also emphasizes that a truly free society does not impose uniformity but protects the diversity of consciences, preventing authoritarian tendencies and promoting an ethical dialogue that enriches the social fabric."

In democratic countries we have some clear examples of this tendency that Leo XIV denounces, such as the blacklists of pro-life doctors promoted in Spain by the government of Pedro Sánchez, a coercive measure to force them to cooperate with what Pope Saint John Paul II described as the "culture of death" in the encyclical letter "Evangelium Vitae", published on March 25, 1995.

Leo XIV also noted: "In a similar way, religious freedom risks being curtailed. As Benedict XVI recalled, this is the first of all human rights, because it expresses the most fundamental reality of the person. The most recent data show that violations of religious freedom are on the rise, and that sixty-four percent of the world’s population suffers serious violations of this right."

On his Twitter account, Leo XIV has summarized his denunciation of the attacks against these rights with this message:

"In the current context, we are seeing an actual “short circuit” of #HumanRights. The right to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, religious freedom, and even the right to life are being restricted in the name of other so-called new rights, with the result that the very framework of human rights is losing its vitality and creating space for force and oppression. This occurs when each right becomes self-referential, and especially when it becomes disconnected from reality, nature, and truth."

---

Photo: Vatican News.