Pope Defends Free Press
Pope Leo XIV Defends Press Freedom Amid White House Access Dispute
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Key Points
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In one of his first audiences as pope, Leo called for imprisoned journalists to be released and described free speech and the press as a “precious gift.”
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Leo did not name Trump when answering the reporter’s question. Later on the flight, he thanked the press for covering his France trip, described as the first papal visit to France in 18 years.
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The articles describe broader tensions between Leo and Trump: Leo criticized the administration’s military actions, including the war with Iran, and Trump responded with personal attacks, calling the pope “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy.”
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The Vatican has also limited independent media access: since the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists have been barred from covering some photo opportunities in the pope’s private studio when heads of state meet him, and many private audiences are closed to non-Vatican press.
Pope Leo XIV defended press freedom Friday while traveling to France, telling reporters they were welcome and that good media coverage matters "for everyone." Forbes His remarks came after President Donald Trump's administration barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House—a ban a judge temporarily blocked, though access disputes continued.
In one of his first audiences as pope, Leo called for imprisoned journalists to be released and described free speech as a "precious gift." Express The pontiff did not name Trump directly when answering the reporter's question about the White House media ban.
Pope's First Stand for Media Rights
Pope Leo XIV made press freedom a priority early in his papacy. Yahoo News He told journalists traveling with him to France that media access and coverage were essential. The pope stressed that journalists deserved protection and that imprisoned reporters must be freed. He framed free speech as a "precious gift" that serves society.
Trump Administration Intensifies Media Restrictions
The White House ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico began on September 18. AOL A federal judge halted the ban shortly after midnight, ordering the outlets readmitted temporarily. But disputes over journalist access continued to simmer. CNN and MS NOW said their reporters were also blocked from covering Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival for a state dinner at the White House.
Tensions Escalate Between Pope and Trump
The press freedom dispute is one of several clashes between Pope Leo and the Trump administration. Forbes Leo previously criticized the administration's military actions and the war with Iran. Trump responded with personal attacks, calling the pope "WEAK on Crime" and "terrible for Foreign Policy." The back-and-forth signals deeper disagreement over how America should conduct foreign policy.
Vatican Also Restricts Independent Media Access
While defending press freedom globally, the Vatican itself has limited independent journalism. Express Since the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists have been barred from covering some photo opportunities in the pope's private studio when world leaders meet him. Many private papal audiences remain closed to non-Vatican press. The restriction complicates the pope's public stance on media openness.
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