When the Vicar of Christ joins the media scrum

Edward Pentin, National Catholic Register

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

It has become a new papal convention. Every Tuesday evening, as Pope Leo XIV departs for the Vatican after his now-routine day of rest at Castel Gandolfo, he will stop to chat with the press. Reporters ask the Holy Father questions relating to whatever is in the news, usually to do with world politics or the Catholic Church, and the Pope spontaneously responds with unrehearsed answers. The inherent frankness of the exchanges can help the faithful become better acquainted with Leo who is still unknown to many and somewhat enigmatic. Yet the very qualities that commend this practice also generate new risks.