Pope Tells Reporters They're Welcome to Cover Him

Pope Leo XIV began a four-day visit to France on Friday, hoping to draw attention to his appeals for peace at a time of war, and for greater reflection as artificial intelligence questions the very essence of what it means to be human. Leo is spending four intense days in Paris, the Catholic shrine at Lourdes, and the northeastern city of Metz. Church bells across France tolled when Leo's charter flight landed at Paris' Orly airport, and upward of a million people are expected to turn out to see him during his visit. The welcome has underscored the surprising level of interest in Leo's visit, the first by a pope in 18 years.

• On the way to France, Leo told reporters they were welcome to cover him and affirmed the importance of journalists covering public figures, the AP reports. Asked by a CNN reporter about the Trump administration's attempt to bar CNN and other outlets, Leo said the media was welcome on his plane. "I am very happy that here, you are all welcome," he said.

Leo was greeted by President Emmanuel Macron at the airport. They will meet again at the Élysée Palace. During his busiest day of the trip, Leo was to then deliver a speech at UNESCO headquarters, celebrate vespers at the newly reopened Notre-Dame cathedral, and then preside over a massive youth vigil at a Paris stadium Friday night.

• A capstone visit as Macron's term ends. For Macron, who is barred from seeking a third term in May elections, hosting the American pope is something of a capstone, after Pope Francis refused repeatedly to make a proper state visit to France during his 12-year pontificate, the AP reports. With seven months left in his term, Macron's approval ratings are near record lows, driven by anger over the rising cost of living and criticism of France's growing debt and deficit and deteriorating public services. Macron's office said Friday's meeting with Leo will provide an opportunity to discuss global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence, along with European and international affairs. The talks are also expected to address end-of-life care and the protection of children.