EWTN News
Trusted global Catholic news, analysis, and multimedia coverage of the Church, Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican, and issues impacting Catholics worldwide.
Leo XIV and Macron meet: Peace is both a ‘duty and a requirement’
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:25:55 GMT
The two leaders expressed their common conviction on the necessity of dialogue and negotiations to resolve conflicts between nations.
Poll: Catholic support for President Donald Trump drops below 50% amid Iran war
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:22:00 GMT
A poll shows Catholics disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance as president, overall, including on how he has handled the conflict with Iran.
‘No one felt safe’: Catholics continue aid in Lebanon amid deadly Israeli strike
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:52:52 GMT
Catholic aid workers in Beirut offer details on Israel’s deadliest attack on the country, which took place this week.
Tehran cardinal breaks silence: ‘I celebrated the Easter Vigil carrying you all in my heart’
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:31:19 GMT
The archbishop of Tehran reflects on being separated from his flock on Easter, a Filipino bishop speaks out for doves, a French church is vandalized, and more in this week’s world news roundup.
Alabama updates law allowing students time for off-campus religious instruction
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:04:16 GMT
The measure adds clearer guidelines and protections requested by school superintendents.
Pope Leo names Father Andrea Ciucci chancellor of Pontifical Academy for Life
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:11:00 GMT
The Italian priest has served as the academy's secretariat coordinator since 2016.
8,645 candles light Finland’s Parliament in pro-life vigil for unborn
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:41:00 GMT
Organizers of the "Muistamme" vigil lit one candle for each of the 8,645 abortions performed in Finland in 2024, drawing Catholic, Lutheran, and Presbyterian clergy together in central Helsinki.
Investing with ‘the lordship of Christ’ in mind: Ecumenical business conference convenes in Denver
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:11:00 GMT
Remembering “the lordship of Christ” over all things, Catholic and Protestant leaders discussed ethical investing.
Congressman criticizes Vatican for hosting China’s top organ transplant official in 2017
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:41:00 GMT
Rep. Chris Smith and Hudson Institute Senior Fellow and human rights advocate Nina Shea criticized the Vatican for hosting China’s top organ transplant official at an event in 2017.
Chaldean Catholic bishops meet Pope Leo as they prepare to elect new patriarch
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:11:57 GMT
The synod of Chaldean Catholic bishops is meeting in Rome this week to elect a new patriarch amid complex internal and national challenges.
Media narrative about nuncio’s Pentagon meeting untrue, Vatican says
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:37:54 GMT
The Vatican responded to a media report claiming Cardinal Christophe Pierre, then-papal envoy to the U.S., received “a bitter lecture” in a meeting with U.S. defense officials.
How Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated at the shrine in Krakow, Poland
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT
A complete schedule of Masses, vigils, and confessions has been prepared for pilgrims and television or online viewers beginning Saturday, April 11, and culminating on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12.
Cause for canonization of Argentine Bishop Jorge Novak closed ‘with sorrow’
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT
The diocese clarified that the decision expresses “no moral judgment regarding the life, virtues, and pastoral ministry” of the bishop, who remains a servant of God.
Churches worldwide join Pope Leo’s prayer vigil for peace on April 11 amid ongoing global conflicts
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT
Bishops’ conferences in the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, Italy, and Spain have urged their faithful to join Pope Leo XIV on April 11 in praying for peace.
Bishop Zaidan appeals to Trump for aid and peace in Lebanon after deadly Israeli attack
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:27:01 GMT
Israel’s most recent strikes killed more than 300 people in Lebanon and more than 1,700 have died since the start of the war, prompting the bishop’s appeal to President Donald Trump.
U.S. births declined slightly in 2025, CDC reports
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:50:00 GMT
The report reflects the ongoing gradual decline in U.S. births that has persisted for most of the past two decades, only interrupted by a modest uptick in 2024.
Catholic moral theologians worry for civilians amid shaky Iran ceasefire, Trump rhetoric
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:20:42 GMT
The fighting is paused for about two weeks, but Trump's threats against civilian infrastructure alarm Catholic moral theologians, who emphasize that it is immoral to intentionally harm noncombatants.
In ecological letter, Indiana bishops urge Catholics to care for ‘God’s good world’
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:41:00 GMT
“At the core of the ecological and social crises is a human heart enclosed in upon itself, alienated from God, our neighbor, and creation,” the bishops said in a new pastoral missive.
U.S. officials continue to defend Iranian conflict amid criticism from top Catholic leaders
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:11:00 GMT
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See has strongly denied reports that the government demanded the Vatican throw support behind U.S. military actions.
Activists renew defunding drive after Planned Parenthood reports record-breaking year of abortions
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:41:39 GMT
As Planned Parenthood reports a record 434,450 abortions of unborn babies in 2023-2024, advocates for unborn children renew their call to permanently defund the group.
Vatican aid convoy in Lebanon caught in crossfire as Church relief effort is forced back
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT
A French Catholic aid leader said conditions in southern Lebanon have become untenable.
Pope Leo XIV: Sport must be a ‘space for encounter’
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT
The pontiff addressed athletes from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Los Angeles Archdiocese announces pilgrimage sites, indulgences for St. Francis Jubilee
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT
Archbishop José H. Gomez has declared 15 sites in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as pilgrimage destinations during the 2026 Jubilee Year of St. Francis.
Amid Bangladesh energy crisis, Catholics oppose online classes proposal
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:15:00 GMT
Catholic educators and parents say the proposal could deepen learning gaps and increase screen addiction, especially for low-income families.
Concordat with Vatican halted in Czech Republic over seal of confession
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT
Experts say the ruling is a setback for religious freedom in one of Europe’s most secular countries, where a concordat had been decades in the making.
Christians must be messengers of peace this Easter, Comboni missionary says
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT
Father Giulio Albanese, MCCJ, who has witnessed several atrocities of war firsthand, said today’s Christians cannot turn a blind eye to people’s sufferings.
Cardinal Porras says new era in Venezuela after Maduro ‘is not about vengeance’
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT
Assessing the country’s current situation, the prelate emphasized that free elections and democracy simultaneously require the separation of powers, free speech, and a well-informed public.
Sisters of Nazareth join the Augustinian family: ‘We are of one soul’
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT
Two long-standing religious communities of San Diego are joining together, according to a recent announcement by the California province of the Order of St. Augustine.
Military Archbishop Broglio relieved by U.S.-Iran ceasefire, but concerns loom
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:21:47 GMT
Military Archbishop Timothy Broglio spoke about his support for the ceasefire agreement and his wish that Lebanon was included.
Trump administration to issue guidance to religious nonprofits on Johnson Amendment
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:39:00 GMT
The Johnson Amendment remains in effect for now, though the new guidance, expected later this year, could offer churches more clarity on permissible political speech during religious services.
U.S. dioceses report elevated numbers of Easter baptisms and confirmations
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:09:00 GMT
The average American diocese saw about 38% more people joining the Church in 2026 compared with 2025, according to an analysis of data released by Hallow.
Bishop expresses solidarity with victims as rebels kill 43 in Democratic Republic of Congo
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:39:31 GMT
Bishop Melchisedec Sikuli Paluku in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expressed sorrow following a deadly attack by rebels that reportedly left 43 people dead in the northeastern province of Ituri.
Friar Jean-Claude Chupin, co-founder of the Community of the Lamb, passed away on Easter
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:33:07 GMT
The friar leaves behind a lasting legacy of service of the poor with a life modeled on St. Francis of Assisi. The community he co-founded has a presence in both Europe and the Americas.
Why Pakistan’s bishops doubt government will act on minor’s forced marriage
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:06:00 GMT
Bishop Samson Shukardin said government committees are often delayed so people forget, as protests continue over the marriage of 13-year-old Maria Shahbaz.
Vatican urges Catholics not to leave Pope Leo XIV alone in opposing war
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:36:00 GMT
The Vatican Secretary of State said the pope’s appeals for peace need concrete support.
Pope will address tensions between Christianity and Islam in Africa, Nigerian bishop says
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:06:45 GMT
An Augustinian confrere of Pope Leo XIV discussed the pontiff’s upcoming trip to four African countries.
Dominican Sisters challenge New York gender-identity law in court
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:13:06 GMT
The New York State Department of Health warned the sisters about “refusing to assign a room to a resident other than in accordance with the resident’s gender identity.”
Teen killed, 60 hurt after truck rams Easter procession in Pakistan
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:23:54 GMT
Police are searching for a truck driver who fled after plowing into a predawn Easter procession in Punjab, killing a 17-year-old and injuring more than 60.
EWTN News documentary highlights Lebanon’s Christian roots and enduring faith
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT
EWTN News shines a light on Lebanon and its rich diversity in a new film.
Catholic Church sees increase in conversions as more people desire a ‘relationship to the truth’
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT
“We have an increase in noise in the world, and people are looking for a solid foundation, a place to go where they can have a right relationship to truth, and to seek the truth,” JonMarc Grodi said.
Algerian cardinal says pope’s upcoming visit not about interreligious dialogue but humanity
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT
The archbishop of Algiers discussed the upcoming papal trip in the context of anti-Christian persecution.
Pope Leo XIV welcomes ceasefire in Iran as ‘sign of living hope’
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:47:26 GMT
“Only through a return to negotiation can the war come to an end,” the pope said at the end of his weekly general audience.
Eucharist stolen, faithful robbed during adoration in Mexico on Holy Saturday
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:46:00 GMT
In the wake of the incident, the local bishop, who will perform a rite of reparation, called for the return of the holy Eucharist and intense prayers for the conversion of the perpetrators.
Churches packed in Nicaragua for Holy Week amid restrictions and police presence
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:16:51 GMT
While the dictatorship in Nicaragua continues suppressing the Church through police surveillance and the prohibition of public processions, attendance at Holy Week services was strong.
Threat against entire people of Iran ‘not acceptable,’ Pope Leo XIV says
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:14:23 GMT
Attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and are also a sign of hatred, division, and destruction, Pope Leo XIV said. “Let’s come back to the table,” he said.
A mission of the heart: Artemis II crew honors faith, family, and a life lost
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:27:00 GMT
Artemis II has captured global attention not only for its technical ambition but also for its human moments. Among them, a moving Easter message and honoring the late wife of a crew member.
Trump’s threat to fully destroy Iran ‘cannot be morally justified,’ head of U.S. bishops says
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:57:51 GMT
“I call on President Trump to step back from the precipice of war and negotiate a just settlement for the sake of peace and before more lives are lost,” Archbishop Paul Coakley said.
New record in France: More than 20,000 adults and teens baptized at Easter
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:06:06 GMT
The surge in baptisms of young persons continues in France in 2026, a 20% increase over the already previous record-high number in 2025. The influx represents a major challenge for the French Church.
Government favors natural family planning over contraception in key health funding
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:31:14 GMT
New directives by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ban Title X abortion funding while favoring fertility education and “body literacy.”
Archdiocese of Baltimore insurer proposes $100 million settlement for abuse victims
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:40:00 GMT
The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy nearly three years ago amid a large number of allegations of sexual abuse.