Aboard the papal plane, Pope Leo XIV addressed journalists during a recent trip, expressing his support for media coverage of his travels. This came in contrast to recent actions by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had temporarily barred three news outlets from White House access before a federal court ordered the reversal of that decision. When asked about the White House’s handling of press access, the pope did not mention Trump by name but emphasized the importance of thorough and responsible news coverage. He said, “Good coverage, I think, is very important, and we have it all the way around for everybody,” adding that he welcomed journalists to document his journey. The court ruling required the Trump administration to reinstate access for CNN, MS Now, and Politico to their White House workspaces. The pope’s remarks highlighted his belief in open communication and transparency, values that have long been central to the Catholic Church’s relationship with the media. While the pontiff did not directly critique the former president, his comments underscored the contrast between his approach and that of the Trump administration, which had faced criticism for its restrictions on press access. On a lighter note, the pope, who was raised in Chicago, was asked about the Chicago White Sox’s surprising qualification for the Major League Baseball playoffs. The team had been 121 games behind in the standings as recently as 2024, making their playoff run an unexpected achievement. When a reporter joked that some might call it a miracle, the pope smiled and said, “No comment,” before adding, “Great things happen in Chicago.” The remark drew laughter from the press corps and highlighted the pope’s connection to his hometown. The White Sox’s 2005 World Series victory is a notable moment in Chicago sports history. During that time, Fox television cameras captured a moment when fan Robert Prevost was seen in the stands. Prevost later became Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost and eventually the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV. The connection between Chicago sports history and the papacy adds a unique layer to the pope’s remarks and underscores the city’s enduring influence on both sports and religion.