EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY

The Vatican confirms that Pope Leo will not visit the U.S. in 2026. Meanwhile, the Vatican has cleared the way for the beatification of the Venerable Fulton Sheen. And, in Hong Kong, Catholic pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The Archdiocese of New York installed its new Archbishop, Ronald A. Hicks. Meanwhile, Pope Leo sends a special message as the Winter Olympics open in Milan. And, the Seahawks' Catholic chaplain offers an inside look at the team's faith and prayer ahead of Super Bowl LX.

We take a rare look at who's behind the Vatican's quiet peace talks. Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Santa Fe warns of nuclear risks following the START treaty expiration. And, bishops gather in D.C. for a Mass of Solidarity with Africa amid growing religious persecution.

Pope Leo and the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops express concern as the START treaty expiration sparks nuclear arms alarm. Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Miami weighs in on Haitian TPS protections in the U.S. And, lawmakers highlight growing religious persecution worldwide.

Holy Innocents Catholic School and Chapel were vandalized in Long Beach, California, sustaining thousands of dollars in damage. Meanwhile, Pope Leo celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. And, the partial government shutdown ends, but long-term DHS reforms remain unresolved.

The Olympic Cross has arrived from the Vatican in Milan, where the 2026 Winter Games will take place. Meanwhile, Eastern Christians observe the Fast of Jonah ahead of Lent. And, Catholic bishops appeal to the Trump administration as thousands of Haitians face legal limbo.

Christians face renewed fears of a possible ISIS return in northeast Syria. And, as Cardinal Christophe Pierre turns 80, we take a look back at his career in Vatican diplomacy and pastoral leadership.

After more than 600 years, the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem — believed to be the birthplace of Christ — is set to undergo renovations. Meanwhile, the Church struggles for justice amid Venezuelan turmoil. And, recent Minneapolis shootings intensify the DHS funding fight on Capitol Hill.

The Church celebrates the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas and his lasting impact on Pope Leo. Meanwhile, a new campaign aims to overturn the same-sex marriage ruling. And, a South Korean Christian pastor is under fire for ‘illegal campaigning' through biblical commentary.

January 27 marks 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Meanwhile, St. Maximilian Kolbe reminds us that even when evil seems to reach its peak, hope never dies. And, reports claim tens of thousands have been killed in Iran following protests against the regime.

Pope Leo XIV will make a historic first visit to Africa. Meanwhile, USCCB President Archbishop Paul Coakley responds to a recent shooting in Minneapolis. And, concluding the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Leo emphasizes that unity is essential to preaching the Gospel.

Ahead of the March for Life, Pope Leo XIV sends a special message to participants. Meanwhile, Live Action's Lila Rose warns of abortion pill dangers on Capitol Hill. And, amid Pope Leo's push for unity, Christians observe a Week of Prayer.

We take a closer look at Magisterium AI and whether faith can help shape the future of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Congress nears a shutdown deadline as Republicans hold firm on the Hyde Amendment. And, an Iraqi archbishop responds to U.S. transfers of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq.

The March for Life draws thousands in Paris decades after France legalized abortion. Meanwhile, “Wizards of Waverly Place” star David Henrie hosts a new EWTN Studios series, “Seeking Beauty.” And, Bishop Barron weighs in on ICE tensions and protests.

We learn why Pope Leo honors St. Francis of Assisi in a special Jubilee Year. Meanwhile, Indiana University's pastor speaks on supporting Catholic athletes as the National College Football Championships approach. And, a USCCB report shows growth in Eucharistic Adoration and reverence at Mass.

The Department of Homeland Security has passed a new rule easing visa restrictions for religious workers. Meanwhile, four NASA astronauts have returned early from space in NASA's first medical evacuation. And, a papal tradition continues as a mosaic of Pope Leo XIV is set to be put on display.

Pope Leo warns of human rights strains amid violence in the Holy Land. Meanwhile, The Holy Father's mosaic portrait is set to join the line of popes at the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. And on Capitol Hill, senators debate mail-order abortion drugs in a Health Committee hearing.

Pope Leo XIV proclaims a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Meanwhile, SCOTUS weighs transgender athlete cases that could impact women's sports. And, Minnesota & Illinois sue the Trump admin over “federal invasion” by ICE.

Pope Leo continues the 45-year tradition of baptisms on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with Pope Leo at the Vatican. And, pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai's sentencing hearings have begun.

Pope Leo XIV warned that human rights and freedoms are under threat. Millions in the Philippines joined the Black Nazarene procession in a powerful display of faith. And, more than 3,000 pilgrims gathered at the banks of the Jordan River to mark the Baptism of Jesus Christ.

President Donald Trump announces a new oil deal with Venezuela, while European leaders push back against renewed U.S. interest in Greenland. Plus, organizers reveal the theme and patron saint of the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.

Pope Leo XIV has opened his first extraordinary consistory in the Vatican. Meanwhile, U.S. military action in Venezuela spurs debate on Cuba's future. And, one year after the devastating California fires, a local resident shares his story.

A Venezuelan family celebrates survival as a miracle after U.S. strikes in Caracas. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV closed out the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year. And, Istanbul's Orthodox Christian community celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany by diving into the chilly waters of the city's historic Golden Horn.

Lawmakers clash over the U.S. capture of Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro. Meanwhile, world and religious leaders continue to respond to the events in Venezuela. And, FOCUS brings young Catholics together at SEEK 2026.

Pope Leo XIV marks the New Year with a call for renewal. Meanwhile, FOCUS, known for its missionary work on college campuses, is expanding its reach into Catholic parishes. And, the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display at the Museum of the Bible in D.C.

As 2025 comes to a close, we review a historic year for the Church. We remember Pope Francis, the election of Pope Leo XIV, and the early months of his pontificate. And, we take a closer look at an ancient Christian hymn of praise and thanksgiving for the year's blessings.

Syrians celebrate Christmas with cautious hope after Assad's fall. Meanwhile, Naples' Christmas Street preserves centuries-old nativity traditions. And, we learn about sustainable investing and how it can align with Catholic values.

Holy Doors begin to close across Rome as the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope comes to a conclusion. Meanwhile, David Henrie, known for his role in Wizards of Waverly Place, brings Christmas joy to children in need. And, a massive winter storm brings blizzard conditions and damaging winds across the U.S.

Religious intolerance remains a significant driver of violence in countries such as Nigeria and Iraq. Meanwhile, lawmakers call for action as Christians face persecution in Sudan. And, amid war and fragile ceasefires, Middle East Christians continue to face oppression.

We take a closer look at Pope Leo XIV's upcoming holiday schedule. Meanwhile, we meet the man who has been Santa for 60 years. And, across Lebanon, communities are celebrating Christmas with creativity, devotion, and resilience.

Pope Leo appoints Richard Moth as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Seoul previews what's ahead for young pilgrims at World Youth Day 2027. And, we learn more about Saint Alfonso's Christmas song for the shepherds of Italy.

After 16 years of leading the Archdiocese of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan's resignation has been accepted by Pope Leo. Meanwhile, we learn about Bishop Hicks, New York's next Archbishop.

A new study seeks to answer the question: Why do some Americans leave the religion they grew up in? Meanwhile, the Vatican unveils the Christmas tree and Nativity in St. Peter's Square. And, peace in Ukraine still remains highly uncertain despite ongoing efforts by the Trump administration.

Catholic and human rights advocate Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of violating China's national security laws. Meanwhile, a bishop in Sydney speaks out after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Australia. And, Pope Leo marks the final major celebration of the Holy Year with the Jubilee of Prisoners.

Pope Leo celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Rome, drawing pilgrims from all over the world. Meanwhile, we learn the significance behind the upcoming Gaudete Sunday. And, we explore the major economic impact the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have on the U.S.

A new poll shows that 70% of U.S. Catholic voters view Pope Leo XIV favorably. Meanwhile, as Christmas approaches, aid is reaching Jamaican families recovering from a devastating hurricane. And, the Pontifical Irish College in Rome continues to preserve music through nearly 400 Christmases.

Pope Leo XIV responds to a question about President Trump's proposed peace plan for the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Australia makes history by implementing a social media ban for children under 16. And, migrants share their struggles as the right to asylum is increasingly under threat.

Michael Bublé brings Christmas music to the Vatican's “Concert with the Poor.” Meanwhile, a new bipartisan bill pushes to ban congressional stock trading. And, Trump claims inflation is tamed, but many Americans disagree.

Pope Leo pays homage to the Blessed Mother on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in Rome. Meanwhile, Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai's daughter shares insights as he turns 78 behind bars. And, Trump's firing of an FTC commissioner faces Supreme Court review.

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.