VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Monday called for the release of imprisoned journalists and affirmed the “precious gift of free speech and the press” in an audience with some of the 6,000 journalists who descended on Rome to cover his election as the first American pontiff.

Pope Leo is just beginning his papacy. The 69-year-old American was elected only last week, but already there are signs regarding the direction he wants the Catholic Church to take. While experts and even his

US Vice-President J.D. Vance will lead a US delegation to attend the inaugural Mass on Sunday of Pope Leo, the first US pontiff, who was critical of President Donald Trump and Vance before taking leadership of the global Roman Catholic Church.