RismadarVoice Reporters
September 25, 2026
Pope Leo XIV has defended the role of a free press, stressing the importance of thorough and responsible journalism as he responded to questions over tensions between the White House and sections of the American media.
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane while travelling from Rome to Paris on Friday, the pontiff said broad access to information remained important.
Asked about the Trump administration’s recent visit with several news organisations, Leo did not directly criticise President Donald Trump but welcomed the journalists travelling with him.
“I am very happy that here you are all welcome,” the Pope said, while emphasising the importance of comprehensive news coverage.
His remarks followed a federal court order directing the Trump administration to restore access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico to their White House workspaces.
The media organisations had challenged restrictions imposed on their access, intensifying a wider dispute over press freedom and journalists’ ability to cover the US presidency.
Leo’s interaction with reporters later turned to a lighter subject when he was asked about the Chicago White Sox and the team’s turnaround following a difficult period.
The Chicago-born pontiff, a known White Sox supporter, was asked jokingly whether he had played any role in the team’s improved fortunes.
“No comment,” Leo replied with a smile. “Great things happen in Chicago.”
The White Sox’s resurgence has drawn attention after the team endured a historically poor 2024 season.
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has previously made his support for the White Sox known.
His connection to the club attracted renewed attention following his election as pope in 2025, when old footage emerged showing him attending a game during the White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship run.
The exchange aboard the papal plane combined Leo’s support for open media coverage with a light-hearted reference to his longstanding connection to his hometown baseball team.
