EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY

As we prepare for Christmas, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how to “wait well” this Advent. Meanwhile, after decades, the CDC panel now recommends the Hep B vaccine only for at-risk infants. And, the Vatican welcomes an 80-foot Christmas tree to St. Peter's Square.

Tensions in New Orleans escalate over the latest immigration enforcement, “Catahoula Crunch.” Meanwhile, Congress probes the second U.S. strike that killed boat survivors in the Caribbean. And, Trump says it's “a great day for Africa” after a peace-signing to end the horrific conflict in the Congo.

Peace, dialogue, and a “fresh hope” were the themes of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Turkey & Lebanon. Meanwhile, Catholic priests share accounts of persecution occurring in Nigeria & Iraq. And, as Ukraine–Russia talks deadlock, questions are raised over whether the Trump admin will increase pressure.

On the final day of his apostolic journey to Turkey & Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV ends his trip with a strong appeal for peace. And, a House committee is considering a new version of the Kids Online Safety Act, while critics warn it falls short.

Pope Leo XIV makes history on his first apostolic visit outside Italy to Turkey and Lebanon. Meanwhile, lawmakers remain split on pro-life provisions in the 2026 government funding bills. And, amid rising tension in the Holy Land, the Franciscan Order continues to foster peace.

We explore the lasting impact of the Second Vatican Council and other ecumenical councils, including Ephesus, Chalcedon, Trent, and Vatican I. We examine why St. John Henry Newman is referred to as the “Father of Vatican II” and reflect on the legacy of St. John Paul II, 20 years after his death.

Turkey and Lebanon prepare for Pope Leo XIV's first international visit. Meanwhile, we take a deeper look into Arizona's only Catholic seminary. And, President Trump says that “tremendous progress” has been made on the Ukraine peace plan.

The Jubilee of Choirs concludes in Rome, where Pope Leo invited attendees to rediscover their ministry as one rooted in love and unity. Meanwhile, amid rising tension in the Holy Land, the Franciscan Custos fosters harmony among Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

Pope Leo XIV talks with U.S. Catholic youth through live video. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, 52 children have been abducted from a Catholic school as the region sees a spike in religious persecution. And Polish & German bishops mark the 60th anniversary of a letter that paved the way for peace after WWII.

The National Catholic Youth Conference kicks off ahead of a digital encounter with the Pope. Meanwhile, deadly violence in Nigeria prompts concern among Church leaders. And, the U.S. jobs report for September shows 119,000 new jobs added.

As the Church prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Feast of Christ the King, a new EWTN docu-series, The Kingship of Christ, is released. Meanwhile, the Epstein Files Bill heads to Trump's desk. And, U.S. Army Secretary is in Kyiv for meetings aimed at restarting Ukraine peace talks.

A teen selected to speak with Pope Leo XIV during the NCYC digital session shares her hopes. Meanwhile, the effects of the government shutdown continue to linger on the economy. And, the U.S. House has overwhelmingly passed a discharge petition to release the case files of Jeffrey Epstein.

On World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV urged leaders to hear the vulnerable. Meanwhile, an AI Builder's Summit explored artificial intelligence and how Catholics can engage with it. And, in a surprising move, Trump is now urging House Republicans to support the release of the Epstein files.

Bishop Burbidge discusses the USCCB's special message on immigration amid U.S. deportations. Meanwhile, Rome hosts an international festival celebrating the Church's sacred music. And, a former NASA scientist aims to place a cross on the moon.

Although the government shutdown has ended, its effects will continue to impact air travel. Meanwhile, a volunteer doctor brings hope to Ukraine's youngest war victims. And, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, has launched its first-ever “Week of Service.”

Pope Leo urges an AI conference to ensure that technology does not replace relationships. Meanwhile, we learn how faith & subsidiarity can help build accountability in AI. And, the U.S. House is poised to pass a Senate-approved stopgap funding bill that would fund the government through January 30.

Marine veteran Chris Lovell reflects on Veterans Day and the impact of the government shutdown on veterans. Meanwhile, thousands are set to gather for the 33rd International Week of Prayer and Fasting. And, Pope Leo urges tech leaders to ensure that AI remains rooted in respect for human dignity.

On day 41, the U.S. government shutdown may finally be nearing its end. Meanwhile, with flight cancellations piling up due to the shutdown, Trump slams air traffic controllers who were not showing up for work. And, Pope Leo XIV highlights the vital role of jobs at the Jubilee of the World of Work.

Flight delays and cancellations caused by the government shutdown are creating challenges for businesses. Meanwhile, Church leaders are meeting to strengthen pastoral care for mental well-being. And, Florida's Attorney General has filed a $354 million lawsuit against Planned Parenthood.

The Federal Aviation Administration's decision to reduce flights raises new concerns about safety. Meanwhile, President Trump's proposed White House ballroom is once again facing scrutiny. And, Israeli, Palestinian, and American students unite in Rome for a peace dialogue.

Democrats scored major victories across the country in Tuesday's elections. Meanwhile, a new Vatican document urges a humane approach to mining practices. And, groundbreaking has begun for the new “Sheen Experience,” honoring Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

The Vatican released a new doctrinal note offering clarifications on controversial titles attributed to the Virgin Mary. Meanwhile, the government shutdown has entered its 35th day, tying the record for the longest closure in American history. And, AI is changing the job landscape in the U.S.

Trump threatens “to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists” in Nigeria, whom he says are killing thousands of Christians. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV celebrates the feasts of All Saints and All Souls in Rome. And, the experience “Luminescence” is making its U.S. debut at a Basilica in Minneapolis.

Pope Leo will mark the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls with several papal liturgies in Rome. Meanwhile, a new children's book uncovers the Christian roots of Halloween. And, many furloughed workers are relying on local food banks to feed their families as the government shutdown continues.

Trump returns to DC after trade talks in Asia, meeting President Xi of China. Ret. Maj. Gen. Bill Crane explains risks of relying on China for critical minerals. Plus, nuclear testing, government shutdown updates, and Pope Leo XIV meets students at the Jubilee of the World of Education.

A new documentary exploring the reality of demonic possession, approved by the International Association of Exorcists, premieres on October 30. Meanwhile, relief efforts are underway after Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica. And, Pope Leo has issued his second papal document since his election.

Challenges to the Gaza ceasefire arise as the Israeli Prime Minister announces “powerful” strikes. Meanwhile, Pope Leo emphasizes “Peace is holy, not war” at a “Daring Peace” event in Rome. And a Category 5 hurricane is bearing down on Jamaica, marking the island's strongest direct hit in 174 years.

A priest has embarked on a 50-day pilgrimage to raise awareness for immigration reform. Meanwhile, thousands gather at the Vatican for the Jubilee of Synodal Teams. And, a new report from NAPA Legal evaluates all 50 U.S. states on their religious and regulatory freedoms.

Trump slams a TV ad on tariffs featuring Ronald Reagan, while ICE faces recruitment issues. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV meets the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre in Rome. And, the "Baseball Priest" joins to talk World Series and his journey from the diamond to priesthood.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the Vatican for an ecumenical prayer service with Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time in 500 years that the Pope prayed alongside the King of England. Meanwhile, the best-selling European book God: The Science, The Evidence is now coming to the U.S.

A priest reflects on the horrors of the 2022 Bucha massacre by Russian forces. Meanwhile, Bishop Checchio begins a new chapter as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. And, Fr. Mike Schmitz launches a new 30-day podcast on Thomas à Kempis' The Imitation of Christ.

The government shutdown enters its 21st day—tying for the second-longest in U.S. history. Meanwhile, VP JD Vance asks for prayers amid a fragile Gaza ceasefire. And, Cardinal Parolin notes rising hostilities during the presentation of Aid to the Church in Need's 2025 Religious Freedom report.

Pope Leo canonized seven blesseds in Rome. Meanwhile, Meta updated restrictions for teen accounts on Instagram, aligning content guidelines with PG-13 movie standards. And, controversy erupted over the Trump administration's ordering of drone strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats.

Pope Leo XIV is set to canonize seven new saints on October 19. Meanwhile, a new report reveals striking data about American teens and their use of AI companions. And, as Americans grapple with the ongoing government shutdown, some warn of a new threat: student debt default.

A newly released report presented by the Holy See reveals that some believe the Catholic Church must do more to support survivors of sexual abuse. Meanwhile, two Catholic churches in Iraq — once destroyed by ISIS — now stand as powerful symbols of hope.

The CEO of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem speaks on the Gaza ceasefire. Meanwhile, SacredSpark, a new Catholic dating app, is set to launch. And, SCOTUS weighs a Louisiana voting rights case.

China will soon install a bishop in Shanghai — elected to the office without Vatican approval. Meanwhile, we take a look inside the Vatican Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world. And, Trump tells reporters that if Hamas in Gaza doesn't disarm, “we will disarm them."

Trump celebrates the release of all twenty living hostages from Gaza. Meanwhile, Mary, the Queen of Peace, stood at the heart of the Jubilee celebration over the weekend. And, we learn what "woke" actually means — and why it sparks such intense debate across the country.

Hope begins to rise with the announcement of a ceasefire deal at Gaza's only Catholic church. Meanwhile, we learn more about an organization that rescues Ukraine's missing children. And, the blame game deepens between U.S. lawmakers as the government shutdown enters day 10.

Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of a peace plan. Meanwhile, we learn more about Pope Leo's first apostolic exhortation. And, a bishop meets with Pope Leo XIV and delivers letters from immigrants fearing deportation.

Ahead of his feast, we explore St. John Henry Newman's contributions to Catholicism. Meanwhile, a family credits the intercession of Bl. Michael McGivney for their toddler's miraculous recovery. And, Trump takes aim at the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor, saying both should be behind bars.

On the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, we learn more about the life of Bl. Bartolo Longo, who helped spread this devotion. Meanwhile, a case involving conversion therapy has landed at the U.S. Supreme Court. And, Attorney General Pam Bondi faces sharp criticism as she testifies on Capitol Hill.