Pope Francis asks journalists not to 'distort religious information'

Before 150 journalists representing those accredited to the Vatican, Pope Francis asked them not to distort religious information. He challenged them not to be influenced by ideology or by the need to obtain sensational or dramatic facts.

"The beauty of your work around St. Peter is to anchor it on the solid rock of accountability in truth, not on the brittle sands of chatter and ideological readings which consist in not hiding reality and its miseries and without sweetening tensions, but at the same time without making unnecessary fuss," Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis knows many of those present personally. Some have interviewed him or have been able to greet him on numerous occasions during his international trips. In fact, the Pope also apologized to them for the time they take away from their families because of their work.