EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY

Middle East tensions spike as the US–Iran conflict reaches Lebanon and Iraq. Meanwhile, Catholic leaders call for peace as the conflict in Iran escalates. And, Pope Leo XIV visits a third parish in Rome for Lent.

Pope Leo XIV concludes a Lenten retreat at the Vatican. Meanwhile, U.S. bishops weigh in ahead of a hearing on Trump's birthright citizenship order. And, post-State of the Union, Trump travels to Texas touting energy and oil.

A pro-abortion professor backs off a leadership role at Notre Dame University after backlash. Meanwhile, lawmakers weigh in on affair allegations against Catholic Rep. Tony Gonzales. And, we learn how the Church is helping amid Cuba's worsening humanitarian crisis.

The Vatican announces major details on Pope Leo's upcoming visits to Europe and Africa. Meanwhile, the Holy Father honors the Oblates of Mary Immaculate on their 200th anniversary. And, a pro-life leader reacts to the omission of ab*rtion from Trump's State of the Union address.

Ukrainian bishops speak out as today marks 4 years of the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, brave Catholic priests give a Eucharistic blessing over Mexico amid unrest. And, during the special Year of St. Francis, announced by Pope Leo, a rare exposition of St. Francis's remains draws global attention.

A Christian pastor describes the situation on the ground as cartel violence erupts across Mexico. Meanwhile, Pope Leo makes his second Lenten stop in Rome at the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. And, The Holy Father calls on the faithful to let the Lord transform them this Lent.

Sacred Heart Basilica prepares for Pope Leo XIV's second Lenten stop in Rome. Meanwhile, following a Catholic school vandalism, students had the special opportunity to meet Pope Leo. And, the DHS shutdown continues amid a partisan standoff over ICE reforms.

The Vatican declines to join Trump's new “Board of Peace” due to the board's “particular nature.” Meanwhile, Chicago Archbishop Cupich leads an Ash Wednesday procession to an ICE detention center. And, a new app draws from St. Carlo Acutis' research on Eucharistic miracles.

Pope Leo XIV leads a historic Ash Wednesday procession. Meanwhile, a new “Heart of Prayer” Lenten series aims to deepen prayer life. And, the Holy Father reminds Christians that the Church is always a sign of reconciliation.

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson passes at 84. Pope Leo is set to begin his first Lenten journey as pope with an Ash Wednesday procession. And, the Holy Father appoints a Catholic Harvard professor to the Vatican Social Sciences Academy.

Pope Leo XIV visits St. Mary Queen of Peace Basilica, marking his first Roman parish visit. Meanwhile, Americans celebrate the legacy of all the nation's presidents on Presidents' Day. And, lawmakers are seeking to hold social media companies accountable for harmful content on their platforms.

On the eve of Valentine's Day, the feast of St. Valentine, we learn more about his life. Meanwhile, Pope Leo urges Catholics to abstain from words of hatred in his 2026 Lenten message. And, a Mississippi diocese advances the canonization cause of Sister Thea Bowman.

Today, Vatican radio turns 95 on world radio day. Meanwhile, controversy grows over the University of Notre Dame's appointment of pro-abortion advocate Susan Ostermann. And, Pope Leo XIV is set to step outside the Vatican for Lenten parish visits in Rome.

Pope Leo marks World Day of the Sick, observed on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Meanwhile, a bishop expresses ‘strong opposition' to a pro-ab*rtion professor's appointment at Notre Dame. And, a Brazilian student faces a potential ten-year prison sentence for “transphobia.”

Pope Leo XIV chooses the theme for the sixth World Day for Grandparents: “I Will Never Forget You.” Meanwhile, ICE officials are grilled by lawmakers for the first time since the fatal shootings in Minnesota. And, we learn more about this weekend's New York Encounter 2026.

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.