Pope Leo XIV addressed a question about press access while traveling, after being asked by a reporter about the White House's ongoing ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico. The pope said reporters covering him are welcome and emphasized that media coverage is important.
According to The New Republic, a reporter asked the pope aboard a flight to France on Friday whether he had a message for colleagues at CNN facing difficulties with the White House. The pope reportedly responded that he was happy reporters were welcome and that good coverage matters "for everyone."
Independent Journal Review reported that the exchange took place with a CNN reporter on a flight to Paris, days after a judge blocked the White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico. The legal fight over the ban is still ongoing, according to The New Republic.
Coverage across outlets converged on the same basic exchange, though some framed the pope's remarks as a pointed response to President Trump, while others described it more simply as an affirmation of press access.
How each side covered it
Left
- Left-leaning outlets described the pope's remarks as a jab or rebuke directed at President Trump.
- The New Republic reported a reporter directly asked the pope about CNN's difficulties with the White House.
- Outlets noted the media ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico is still legally contested, per The New Republic.
“Pope Leo Throws Shade at Trump Over His Petty Media Ban” — The New Republic
Center
- Forbes reported the pope's comments as an affirmation that media coverage of public figures is important.
“Pope Leo Comments On Trump's Press Ban—Says Media Coverage Is Important” — Forbes
Right
- Independent Journal Review reported the pope welcomed a CNN reporter and journalists generally to cover him.
- The outlet noted a judge had blocked the White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico days before the pope's comments.
“Pope Leo Welcomes Journalists Amid Trump Media Fight” — Independent Journal Review
Questions readers ask
What did Pope Leo XIV say about the Trump administration's media ban?
When asked by a reporter about the White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, Pope Leo XIV said journalists covering him are welcome and that media coverage is important "all the way around, for everyone," according to The New Republic.
Where and when did Pope Leo XIV make these comments?
The comments were made aboard a flight, described by outlets as heading to France or Paris, with The New Republic dating the exchange to a Friday.
What is the status of the White House media ban mentioned in the story?
Independent Journal Review reported that a judge had blocked the White House's ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, while The New Republic said the ban remains under ongoing legal dispute.
How did left- and right-leaning outlets differ in covering this event?
Left-leaning outlets like The New Republic and The Daily Beast framed the pope's remarks as a pointed jab at President Trump, while right-leaning outlet Independent Journal Review described the exchange more neutrally as the pope welcoming journalists.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningPope Leo XIV affirms need for media to cover public figures when asked about Trump ban
- PBS NewsHourLeft-leaningPope Leo XIV affirms need for media to cover public figures when asked about Trump ban
- The Daily BeastLeft-leaningPope Leo Shames Trump in Response to Bonkers Media Ban
- The New RepublicLeft-leaningPope Leo Throws Shade at Trump Over His Petty Media Ban
- ForbesCenterPope Leo Comments On Trump's Press Ban—Says Media Coverage Is Important
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningPope Leo Welcomes Journalists Amid Trump Media Fight