FRANCE – Pope Leo defends free press after White House media ban

PARIS, September 25 /ATSH-DPA/ – Pope Leo XIV stressed today the importance of good journalism during his flight to Paris, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to bar several media outlets from entering the White House.

Answering a journalist’s question about the troubles faced by his CNN colleagues in Washington, the U.S.-born Pope Leo said he was pleased that on his plane all journalists were welcome.

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

He added that it is very important to have good and fair reporting for everyone.

Last week, Trump barred broadcasters CNN and MS NOW, as well as the news site “Politico”, from entering the official presidential residence, accusing them of spreading fake news.

Critics have described the decision as an attack on press freedom, which is protected by the U.S. Constitution, and as an attempt to intimidate the press.

After a lawsuit filed by these outlets, a judge ruled that they must be temporarily allowed back into the White House.

Relations between Pope Leo XIV and Trump are considered tense.

The Pope, who is American, has in the past criticized several actions of the U.S. president.

Trump has publicly attacked him several times, after Pope Leo criticized the war in Iran earlier this year.

The U.S. president also published a painting depicting himself in an image imitating the figure of Christ, but later deleted it.

Pope Leo XIV has traveled to France for a four-day visit.

Source: ATSH-DPA