Pope Leo XIV tells reporters that journalists are welcome to cover him as he responds to questions about a Trump administration move to restrict media access to the U.S. White House. Several outlets report he makes a point about the value of press coverage while traveling to France for a trip.
The coverage is consistent on his main message: press coverage is important and should extend to public figures. NBC News contrasts his comments with the administration’s actions, noting that President Donald Trump previously kicked some outlets out of the White House before later undoing that ban. The New Republic adds that the White House media access dispute involving outlets such as CNN, Politico, and MS NOW is still being legally contested, with reporting that a judge temporarily reinstated access for a limited period.
While most sources focus on the pope’s remarks about free press, one outlet also notes he redirects from unrelated questions, emphasizing his broader stance on journalism rather than commenting on other topics raised by reporters.
