Pope Leo XIV spoke about the massive arrival of immigrants to Ceuta in the conversations he had with journalists this Friday during his flight to Paris, at the beginning of his four-day trip to France.
To questions from journalists from Spanish media traveling on the plane, including EL PAÍS, he responded in Spanish about what happened in the autonomous city: "I have followed it from the first day, it is a crisis that has different types of causes behind it, we have to find a way to respond to avoid that type of emergency, it was really a humanitarian crisis."
In a brief walk around the back of the plane after taking off from Rome shortly before eight in the morning, Leo XIV greeted the accredited press, more than 80 professionals.
Spanish journalists have also asked him about the large fires and natural disasters recorded in Spain.
“I have followed it closely and tragedies like these are a call to responsibility to take more care of the common home,” he said when the COPE network correspondent gave him a cross made of wood burned in one of the fires.
At another time, the CNN correspondent asked him if he had any words for his Washington colleagues who were banned, along with two other media outlets (Politico and MS NOW) from the White House, although a judge later annulled the order and the journalists were able to carry out their work.
Leo XIV smiled diplomatically and responded: “I am very happy that you are welcome here.”
But then he added: “I think it is very important to have good coverage everywhere and for everyone.”
Another question posed to the Pope has been about recent announcements by AI companies about slowing down their activities, and whether he feels that they are finally listening to or reading his encyclical Magnifica humanitas, which addresses this issue, and responding to it.
“Our Vatican commission is in contact with many of the leaders of the AI world, and we continue, so to speak, the dialogue that I hope to have started or continued in the encyclical.
And I think, from their perspective, many of them are very open to looking for ways to ensure that AI does not ultimately displace or destroy humanity, but rather is a tool for human beings.
At least good things are starting to emerge,” he said.
Journalists have also asked Robert Prevost if he has practiced French before his visit, and he answered yes, "a little", although he denied that he practices it with Duolingo, as has been published: "I don't use it anymore, it's fake news," he said jokingly.
In any case, he has demonstrated that he understands this language when French professionals have addressed him in this language.
The French have also asked him if he still has contact with any relatives in France, given that some of his ancestors are from this country, but he has said no.
When asked if he will meet a cousin during the days he will spend in France, he replied: “You never know.”
During the exchange with Leo XIV there was also space for more informal questions.
A journalist reminded him that in November there will be a basketball game in Rome between Villanova, the American university where the Pope studied, and Notre Dame.
When asked if he supports Villanova, Prevost jokingly responded: “They tell me that 90% of the people who attend the game are from Villanova and 10% from Notre Dame, so the voice of God's people will be very strong on Villanova's side.”
On a more personal level, another reporter asked him if he is a happy person.
“Yes, I think so.
Apart from the difficulties, I find everything in faith.
I am happy with the decision I made many years ago.
“Why do you see me sad?” he replied.
The journalist told him no, but that perhaps he felt the weight of the Church, and the Pontiff responded: "Sometimes a little more, but God is great."
