Pope Leo backs press access after White House restrictions

Pope Leo XIV said journalists were welcome to cover him and that broad press coverage was important, responding to a question about restrictions imposed on several news organizations at the White House. The White House said it had restored access for reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico after a federal judge ruled the restrictions were likely unconstitutional. Leo made the remarks Friday while speaking with journalists aboard a flight from Rome to Paris. Asked about the dispute, he said he was happy the reporters traveling with him were welcome and that coverage was important for everyone. He did not mention President Donald Trump by name or directly criticize him in his answer. The White House restrictions affecting the three outlets prompted legal action. A federal judge temporarily ordered their access restored, according to reports on the ruling. The White House said Thursday that it had reinstated the journalists after the judge found the restrictions were likely unconstitutional. The supplied accounts do not establish the precise scope or duration of the access restored after the order.