Pope Leo delivers pointed message on free press after Trump’s White House ban

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Pope Leo XIV told members of the press on Friday that they were welcome to accompany his trip, highlighting the vital role journalists play in covering public figures amid efforts by the Trump administration to restrict U.S. media access to the White House .

Speaking to reporters aboard his flight to France at the start of a four-day visit, Leo was asked by a CNN reporter about the Trump administration’s attempt to bar CNN alongside other outlets. He reassured the traveling press that they were welcome on his plane.

"I am very happy that here, you are all welcome," he said.

On Thursday, a judge granted CNN, MS NOW and Politico a reprieve to resume coverage.

Leo also apologized for missing the opportunity to speak with journalists on his previous international trip, when an Iberia charter breakdown in the Canary Islands led him to travel home solo on a private jet, bypassing his traditional airborne press conference.

Leo told the reporters traveling with him that he had "nothing to do with" deciding to accept the Spanish king’s offer to use his private plane to return to Rome. More than 70 journalists and members of the Vatican delegation waited several hours at Tenerife airport for a replacement flight.

Leo addressed the press pool's frustration when he walked to the back of the plane to greet them.

"A special mention I would like to make for those of you who were traveling with me when we returned to Rome from Spain," he said. "I want to apologize personally for an incident, that I had nothing to do with, but which I know left a number of you unhappy with the fact that we couldn’t have the flight back together back to Rome."