EWTN News
Trusted global Catholic news, analysis, and multimedia coverage of the Church, Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican, and issues impacting Catholics worldwide.
‘Their very existence is at stake’: Catholic organizations mobilize for Lebanon’s Christians
Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT
Christians in southern Lebanon have paid a heavy price in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel but have been sustained through the support of Catholic organizations and initiatives.
New release seeks to revive St. Bartolo Longo’s ‘Fifteen Saturdays’ devotion
Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT
Ahead of the pope's May 8 visit to Pompeii, Italy, the hometown of the saint who promoted the "Fifteen Saturdays" devotion, a new book seeks to reintroduce people to this "forgotten Marian devotion."
Pope Leo XIV’s first year: 10 powerful moments
Fri, 08 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT
On May 8, 2025, the world was introduced to Cardinal Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV. One year later, we look at some of the most significant events and powerful moments of his first year as pope.
U.S. bishops recount year since Pope Leo XIV’s election
Thu, 07 May 2026 21:54:00 GMT
“I really had to do a double take, because conventional wisdom has been that there will never be a pope from the United States,” said Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski of St. Louis.
‘Families fight, but family is forever’: Pope Leo’s brother says the brothers limit political talk
Thu, 07 May 2026 21:24:00 GMT
Pope Leo's older brother John Prevost said he and his brothers limit political topics when they speak each week, but there is that "brother connection."
India’s religious liberty on ‘downward trajectory,’ commission says
Thu, 07 May 2026 20:54:00 GMT
“Religious freedom in India is abysmal," U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Vice Chair Asif Mahmood said at a hearing on Capitol Hill.
Commission sees opportunities to expand targeted sanctions on religious liberty offenders
Thu, 07 May 2026 20:24:57 GMT
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended targeted sanctions against the Taliban, Iraqi militias, and government officials in Nicaragua, Nigeria, China, and Russia.
Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to read printed books
Thu, 07 May 2026 18:31:56 GMT
The pontiff marked the centenary of the Vatican Publishing House, saying printed books remain a vital “opportunity to think” in the digital age.
‘A breath of hope’: Pope Leo XIV encourages Lebanese priests through video call
Thu, 07 May 2026 18:00:57 GMT
The pope expressed his encouragement to the priests who are working in war- torn southern Lebanon. The Holy Father said he prays for them, supports them, and gave them his blessing.
Fidelity, enthusiasm, and faith: Pope Leo XIV welcomes Swiss Guard recruits
Thu, 07 May 2026 16:21:00 GMT
Twenty-eight Swiss Guards were sworn in Wednesday at the Vatican.
Bethsaida excavation turning ‘Bible stories into Bible realities’
Thu, 07 May 2026 15:51:00 GMT
Recent excavations at the site match the account of an eighth-century Bavarian bishop who wrote about a church in Bethsaida that was built over the home of Sts. Peter and Andrew.
Pope Leo meets U.S. Secretary of State Rubio amid tensions with President Trump
Thu, 07 May 2026 15:21:15 GMT
The pontiff met with the secretary of state amid Trump's ongoing criticism of the Holy Father and the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV accepts Filipino priest’s withdrawal as bishop-designate
Thu, 07 May 2026 14:05:00 GMT
Father Gerardo F. Saco Jr. cited "human limitations" in withdrawing from the Diocese of Tagbilaran weeks before his scheduled May 26 episcopal ordination.
Lithuanian families rally to save pro-life maternity home blessed by John Paul II
Thu, 07 May 2026 13:20:46 GMT
Lithuania's only consistently pro-life maternity home — once blessed by St. John Paul II — faces closure under a government merger plan opposed by more than 12,000 petitioners.
In Syria, renaming schools fuels debate over historical, cultural, and religious identity
Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT
Critics warn that the efforts to rename many of Syria's schools could jeopardize the country’s identity and diversity.
Organized crime ‘rules’ in several states in Mexico, cardinal warns
Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT
Through violent tactics and the lucrative drug trade, Mexican cartels have made deep inroads into a number of local and state governments in the country.
Cardinal Parolin says talks with German bishops continue, calls sanctions talk premature
Wed, 06 May 2026 22:16:36 GMT
Cardinal Pietro Parolin also discussed Thursday's meeting between Pope Leo and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump: Rubio’s message to Pope Leo XIV should be ‘Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon’
Wed, 06 May 2026 21:06:58 GMT
The president again claimed Pope Leo XIV "seemed to be saying" Iran should be able to obtain a nuclear weapon. The Holy Father has never said this and has spoken against nuclear weapons.
Pope Leo XIV expected to visit France in late September, bishops announce
Wed, 06 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT
While the Holy See has yet to make an official announcement, the French Bishops’ Conference announced in a May 6 communiqué that Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit France in late September.
Vatican confirms official itinerary for Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Spain
Wed, 06 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT
The pontiff will meet with clergy, religious, and government officials, celebrate four public Masses, and visit social service centers and a migrant reception center.
Poll: Most Americans dislike Trump’s jabs at Pope Leo XIV, favor Leo’s call for peace
Wed, 06 May 2026 19:30:00 GMT
The poll shows that Americans have a negative view of Trump's direct criticisms of Leo at a time when the pope is generally popular and the president's approval is shrinking.
Christians must defend themselves amid rising persecution, Nigerian prelate says
Wed, 06 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT
Following the resurgence of violence in Nigeria, the judicial vicar of the Port Harcourt Diocese has called for Christians to promote peace while not ignoring the need to protect their lives.
Synod report includes testimonies from civilly ‘married’ homosexuals
Wed, 06 May 2026 18:30:00 GMT
A Vatican synod study group’s final report includes testimony from two men in civil marriages with other men and calls for a listening-based approach to difficult doctrinal and pastoral questions.
Researchers name moth species after Pope Leo XIV
Wed, 06 May 2026 16:44:53 GMT
“The pontiff is a strong advocate of climate and environmental protection, and we hope that his voice may serve as an example for humanity,” researchers wrote.
India’s state elections deliver split verdict for Christian community
Wed, 06 May 2026 14:11:36 GMT
Christian leaders welcomed the Kerala and Tamil Nadu outcomes but voiced alarm at the BJP's historic sweep of West Bengal and a third-term win in Assam.
Pope Leo XIV appoints Jesuit priest as bishop of Honolulu
Wed, 06 May 2026 12:41:59 GMT
Father Michael T. Castori, SJ, was appointed the sixth bishop of the U.S. diocese.
Psychological distress in priests: Causes, warning signs, and how to address it
Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT
Father Wenceslao Vial, a physician and professor, explained that psychological distress is common in society and also affects priests, and warning signs should be heeded and professional help sought.
Notre Dame Cathedral’s stained-glass dispute enters new legal phase
Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT
Controversy surrounding the decision to replace some of Notre Dame’s historic windows with a contemporary design has escalated to legal action and calls for peaceful protests.
Street in Brooklyn Heights renamed to honor Servant of God Dorothy Day
Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT
The intersection of Pineapple and Henry streets in Brooklyn Heights was renamed “Dorothy Day Way” on May 2.
Pope Leo XIV: Church serves coming of God’s kingdom in history
Wed, 06 May 2026 09:46:25 GMT
The pontiff said the Church is a pilgrim people called to proclaim Christ’s salvation while rejecting all that wounds human life.
Rubio: ‘There’s a lot to talk about’ with Pope Leo XIV
Tue, 05 May 2026 22:13:00 GMT
Secretary Rubio said he plans to discuss religious freedom and persecution of Christians in the May 7 meeting. Rubio said the meeting is unrelated to President Trump's criticisms of the Holy Father.
U.S. bishop urges Congress to ‘put children and families first’ in appropriations process
Tue, 05 May 2026 21:43:00 GMT
U.S. bishops are calling on Congress to promote policies that support women and children, defund abortion providers, and support restorative reproductive medicine.
René Henry Gracida, Corpus Christi bishop and World War II veteran, dies at 102
Tue, 05 May 2026 21:13:00 GMT
Earlier this year, in one of his last public statements, he exhorted listeners that "As long as your faith is a motivating factor in your life, guiding what you do, you're on the right track."
On his 56th birthday, new bishop in Philippines appointed by Pope Leo XIV
Tue, 05 May 2026 20:43:00 GMT
A priest for 29 years, Bishop-designate Nick Argel Vaquilar holds a licentiate in theology and a doctorate in biblical theology. He has served as a parish priest, formator, professor, and rector.
‘Prison or exile’: Priest in Nicaragua reveals how the dictatorship persecutes the Church
Tue, 05 May 2026 20:13:00 GMT
A priest in Nicaragua details conditions in the country as the Catholic Church continues to operate under intense persecution, including surveillance of clergy and restrictions on activities.
Irish bishop: Truth about abortion is ‘it not only kills babies, it wounds women’
Tue, 05 May 2026 19:43:00 GMT
In a homily before Ireland’s 2026 March for Life, Bishop Kevin Doran demonstrated from both science and philosophy the humanity of the unborn child and opposed a new bill expanding abortion.
Pope Leo XIV says violence is a last resort, rejects Trump’s claim about supporting nuclear weapons
Tue, 05 May 2026 19:13:14 GMT
Just war is "a very complex problem. You have to analyze it on many levels," Pope Leo XIV said.
Hezbollah supporters allegedly launch digital campaign targeting Maronite patriarch
Tue, 05 May 2026 16:49:34 GMT
Hezbollah supporters have reportedly used AI-generated manipulated images to attack Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai, the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
Outrage grows over alleged bulldozing of Catholic monastery and school in Lebanon
Tue, 05 May 2026 15:58:00 GMT
The mayor of Yaroun, a village in southern Lebanon, and the Melkite Greek Catholic bishops have reacted to the alleged demolition of a monastery and school by Israeli forces.
Legionaries leader rebuilds vocation after Maciel scandal: Pain ‘opened our eyes’
Tue, 05 May 2026 15:13:00 GMT
Father Carlos Gutiérrez López, the new general director of the Legionaries of Christ, speaks about transparency, renewal, and the long road of healing after the crimes of founder Marcial Maciel.
Families of Pakistan church bombing victims call delayed compensation ‘mockery of justice’
Tue, 05 May 2026 14:28:05 GMT
More than 12 years after twin suicide bombings at All Saints Church in Peshawar, survivors say government aid is too little and too late.
Catholics in Sweden receive rare electoral guidance on life issues
Tue, 05 May 2026 13:30:59 GMT
The Diocese of Stockholm's justice and peace commission published a document urging Catholics to consider candidates' positions on abortion and euthanasia.
Former political prisoner shares what life is like in Iran
Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT
The expert estimates that a majority of the country's population opposes the current regime. He says 10-15% support the government, while another 30% are "politically neutral."
Bishops offer firm support for legislation to combat human trafficking
Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT
The Church "is a steadfast voice against human trafficking and other forms of exploitation, as well as a longtime provider of services and pastoral care to victims of these crimes,” the bishops wrote.
Catholic, interfaith leaders press Ohio lawmakers to abolish death penalty
Mon, 04 May 2026 21:50:03 GMT
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, a Catholic, is expected to issue a statement on the death penalty after the May 5 primary election.
Vatican publishes 2024 letter prohibiting formal blessings for homosexual couples in Germany
Mon, 04 May 2026 21:15:00 GMT
As it was already circulating on the internet, the Vatican decided to go public with a 2024 letter to the German bishops reiterating that blessings for same-sex couples could not be formalized.
Christians comprise barely 2% of Holy Land: ‘Pray for a future,’ abbot urges
Mon, 04 May 2026 20:45:00 GMT
With a shrinking Christian population, the Holy Land could end up being a “Christian Disneyland” featuring the holy sites as tourist attractions but with no living Christian presence.
Supreme Court temporarily lifts ban on mail-order abortion drugs
Mon, 04 May 2026 20:15:38 GMT
At the behest of two abortion drug companies, the Supreme Court is temporarily lifting the ban on mail-order abortion drugs after a lower court ruled that the policy undermined Louisiana state law.
DePaul University conference on Pope Leo draws conversation about AI, human dignity
Mon, 04 May 2026 19:26:00 GMT
AI “machines do not have soul,” Jesuit Father Philip Larrey said. “Only God can be responsible for the creation of the soul.”
Catholic mental health professionals react to executive order removing barriers to psychedelic drugs
Mon, 04 May 2026 18:56:00 GMT
The executive order notes that more than 14 million American adults now suffer from serious mental illness, a large rise from a decade ago.