Paris, France - Pope Leo XIV underlined the importance of good journalism, on his flight to Paris on Friday, after President Donald Trump banned several media outlets from the White House. 

"I am very happy that here you are all welcome," Leo said in response to a question from a reporter about the problems faced by his CNN colleagues in Washington. "Good coverage, I think it’s very important that we have it all the way around for everyone."

Trump last week banned the broadcasters CNN and MS NOW as well as news website Politico from his official residence, accusing them of spreading fake news. 

Critics see this as an attack on press freedom, which is guaranteed by the US Constitution, and as an attempt at intimidation. A judge has since ruled that the media organizations must be temporarily readmitted, after they brought a legal challenge.

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Relations between the pope and Trump are considered strained. Leo, who is from the US, has on several occasions in the past expressed criticism of the president's conduct. 

Trump had sharply attacked him several times after Leo criticized the Iran war earlier in the year. Trump also published a painting of himself in a Christ-like depiction, which he later deleted.

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