Pope Leo XIV has stated that journalists are welcome to report on him, reaffirming the importance of media coverage of public figures. On Friday, he spoke to reporters on his way to France for a four-day visit, responding to the Trump administration's attempt to bar US media from the White House. The Pope expressed his happiness that journalists were present on his plane, saying, "I am very happy that here, you are all welcome." He emphasized that good media coverage is crucial and should be available to everyone.
The Trump administration's attempt to bar certain media outlets, including CNN and MSNBC, from the White House was met with a reprieve from a judge on Thursday. The outlets were allowed to return to the White House after a temporary ban was imposed by President Donald Trump. The incident highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and media outlets whose coverage he dislikes. Meanwhile, on Friday, no major American network aired live coverage of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's state dinner arrival, with CNN and MSNBC reporting that their journalists were denied access.
Pope Leo XIV has long been an advocate for a free and independent press. In one of his first audiences as pope, he called for the release of imprisoned journalists and affirmed the importance of free speech and the press. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, independent media have faced restrictions in covering photo opportunities inside the pope's private studio when heads of state visit. Additionally, many of the pope's private audiences with other groups and individuals are closed to non-Vatican press.
The Pope's comments on the importance of media coverage come at a time when he has been critical of certain policies of the Trump administration. In April, Leo and Trump had a public disagreement over the American president's criticism of the Pope's opposition to the Iran war. The Pope's position won him support from some Parisians who oppose Trump's policies. Retiree Thierry Marien, who attended the Pope's visit to Notre Dame cathedral, said, "He dared, at his level, to oppose the American president."
On Friday, Pope Leo XIV took further distance from the Trump administration's policies by visiting Unesco, the UN cultural and educational agency, from which the US has withdrawn. The Pope toured the Unesco grounds, greeted its employees, and received a guided tour of some of its art collections. He then delivered a speech on the values Unesco espouses to promote peace through culture and education. The visit highlighted the Pope's commitment to multilateral diplomacy.
During the flight, Pope Leo XIV also apologized to reporters for missing an opportunity to speak with them during his previous international trip. When his Iberia charter broke down in Spain's Canary Islands, he returned home solo on the king's private jet, skipping his traditional airborne press conference. The Pope addressed the media's disappointment, saying, "I want to apologise personally for an incident, that I had nothing to do with, but which I know left a number of you unhappy."
In other comments to reporters, Pope Leo XIV expressed his support for his alma mater Villanova University, which will play the Catholic University of Notre Dame's basketball team in Rome on November 1. He jokingly predicted that Villanova would be the fan favorite, saying, "They tell me that the people coming to the match, 90% are Villanova and 10% Notre Dame, so the voice of the people of God will be very strong on the Villanova side."
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV welcomes journalists on his plane, reaffirming the importance of media coverage of public figures.
- The Pope has long advocated for a free and independent press, calling for the release of imprisoned journalists and affirming the importance of free speech and the press.
- Pope Leo XIV has taken distance from the Trump administration's policies, including its attempt to bar US media from the White House and its withdrawal from Unesco.
