EWTN NEWS IN DEPTH

Hurricane Helene has become the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina – we are joined by Charlotte Diocese’s Bishop Michael Martin, Knoxville Diocese’s Bishop Mark Beckman, and St. Petersburg Diocese’s Bishop Gregory Parkes to hear how the Catholic Church is serving those who have been hardest hit. Israel expands its operations in Lebanon – we discuss the intensifying conflict with human rights activist Dr. Habib Malik from his home in Beirut. Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz were center stage this week for their one-and-only debate – Mark Irons reports on what stood out and The Free Press’ associate editor Madeleine Kearns and writer Leah Libresco Sargeant join us for Catholic analysis on debate topics ranging from abortion to child-tax credits and beyond. Pope Francis opened the second assembly of the Synod on Synodality in Rome this week – EWTN News’ Editorial Director Dr. Matthew Bunson reports with the details. And Roselle Reyes goes on the road with a Catholic photographer determined to take photos of every Catholic cathedral and basilica in the U.S.

Israel’s recent airstrikes in Lebanon are the deadliest in decades – as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, we speak with former U.S. diplomat Alberto Fernandez on whether the conflict may soon escalate into a broader war. Correspondent Mark Irons takes us to southern Florida where politicians on both sides of the aisle have found common ground: saving the Everglades. Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix opens up about losing three siblings to suicide and the need for mental health ministry in the Church, as National Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close. Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Cameroon sits down with Montse Alvarado to discuss his candid thoughts and hopes for the upcoming October Synod on Synodality meetings in Rome. And ahead of St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s feast day - we introduce you to singer-songwriter Marie Miller, whose latest album was inspired by The Little Flower.

This election season, correspondent Mark Irons dives into how Catholic voters should be first rooted in Church teaching as they participate in political life – and EWTN’s Vice President of Theology explains how Catholics are called to form their conscience in preparation for voting their conscience. The Vatican approves devotion at Medjugorje, while not pronouncing on the authenticity of the alleged messages – we speak with Marian experts Dr. Gloria Falcão Dodd of the University of Dayton’s International Marian Research Institute and “Miracle Hunter” Michael O’Neill to explore the significance of this Vatican announcement. Nearly four years after pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai was arrested in Hong Kong, we’re joined by his son Sebastien Lai for an update on the case. And Brazil’s patroness, Our Lady Aparecida, finally has a home in the nation’s capital – we take you to the joyous celebration.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris squared off in their first U.S. presidential debate – Mark Irons highlights the moments of importance to Catholic voters and moral theologian Charles Camosy corrects the debate record on whether there are late-term abortions. Pope Francis has completed his most ambitious papal trip yet in Southeast Asia – we speak with Catholic News Agency’s Rome Correspondent Courtney Mares from Singapore for the highlights from the trip. Thousands of faithful have gathered in Quito, Ecuador for the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress – EWTN News Editorial Director Dr. Matthew Bunson and Fr. Thomas Petri, president of the Dominican House of Studies, share how its theme of ‘Fraternity to Heal the World’ connects to Our Eucharistic Lord. Canadian Catholics traveled to Toronto for the recent EWTN Family Celebration – Roselle Reyes recaps the family gathering and shares how Mother Angelica’s legacy continues to live on.

A new EWTN News/RealClear Opinion Research survey reveals Vice President Kamala Harris is leading former President Donald Trump among Catholic voters – Mark Irons reports on the survey’s findings and we break it all down with RealClearPolitics’ Susan Crabtree and religion and politics data analyst Dr. Ryan Burge. Pope Francis has embarked on his most ambitious papal trip yet for his Southeast Asia tour – we catch up with Catholic News Agency’s Rome Correspondent Courtney Mares in Indonesia as she travels with the Holy Father. As rage sweeps Israel following the murders of six Israeli hostages – we speak with the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America’s Nathan Diament for his reaction to the devastating tragedy. The U.S. Bishops surveyed parishes to better meet the needs of Hispanic and Latino Catholic Americans – Roselle Reyes has the details and Angelus’ Editor-in-Chief Pablo Kay shares how the Church can better respond to the growing Hispanic Catholic population.

As Pope Francis prepares for his most ambitious and demanding international trip of his papacy – Colm Flynn brings us to the four countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania that the Holy Father will visit and EWTN News Editorial Director Dr. Matthew Bunson explains the significance of this papal trip. Voters will decide on 11 abortion-related ballot measures in 10 states – Mark Irons reports on how the Catholic Church in Florida is working to defeat Amendment 4 and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s Sue Liebel breaks down the current pro-life state landscape ahead of November.

At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago where Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the presidential nomination, Democrats featured the push for abortion throughout the week – Democrats for Life of America’s Kristen Day reacts. President Biden recently announced his plan to reform the Supreme Court - we speak with Adam White, former Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court, for analysis. The trend of banning cell phones in schools is growing – Roselle Reyes takes a look at how Catholic schools across the U.S. are dealing with the classroom distraction and we’re joined by Catholic psychologist Michael Horne to hear how cell phones can impact a child’s developing brain. As “The Wizard of Oz” celebrates its 85th anniversary, Mark Irons tells us the pro-life story surrounding Judy Garland’s birth – and the latest on the missing ruby red slippers mystery.

Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia has reframed the ongoing war – we’re joined by Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and Professor Yuriy Pidlisnyy of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lyiv to hear how the Catholic faithful are faring in Ukraine. Three-time Olympian and gold medalist Dominique Dawes shares her reflections on the Paris Olympics Summer Games and how EWTN foundress Mother Angelica inspires her today. Roselle Reyes takes us to Cleveland, Ohio, where a group of high school students are serving as funeral pall bearers for complete strangers. This week Missouri and Arizona have added abortion amendments to their November ballots– Elizabeth Kirk of The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law puts the latest news into perspective. Colm Flynn brings us a history lesson about the medieval Irish missionary St. Columbanus – and how his writings serve as a model for politics today.

In what was seen as a surprise pick to many, Pope Francis appoints Providence’s Bishop Richard Henning as the next archbishop of Boston – we speak one-on-one with Archbishop-elect Henning about what he’s looking forward to in his next assignment. Mark Irons examines where both U.S. vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance stand on the life issue and other topics critical to Catholic voters. In light of JD Vance’s resurfaced comments on childlessness, we take a deep dive into what’s behind the lower marital and fertility rates today with Communio president J.P. De Gance and Catholic writer Emily Stimpson Chapman. And Colm Flynn takes us inside the kitchen of Fr. Leo Patalinghug’s food ministry.

A study exclusively reported on by EWTN News reveals religious institutions and dioceses are spending big dollars to help pay off the student loan debts of their priests and religious – Montse Alvarado reports on the details and we delve into the topic with The Labouré Society’s John Flanagan and Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN. Roselle Reyes examines how work visas and green cards can be a stumbling block to the U.S.’ reliance on foreign-born priests serving in parishes. Athletes, missionaries, and a former Olympian are bringing the light of Christ to the 2024 Paris games – Mark Irons reports. We sit down with Luke Russert, author of “Look for Me There”, to hear how he leaned on his Catholic faith amid the sudden loss of his father, broadcast legend Tim Russert.

In a historic decision, President Joe Biden withdraws from the 2024 presidential race, setting up a competition between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris – Former U.S. Representative Dan Lipinski, a pro-life Democrat, and National Catholic Register’s Peter Laffin provide Catholic analysis on the latest. Mark Irons speaks with the American Solidarity Party’s presidential candidate Peter Sonski who says his platform reflects the dignity of the human person. More than 60,000 people gathered in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress – Roselle Reyes takes us there and Montse Alvarado speaks with the Congress’ new CEO Jason Shanks to hear what’s next. And with the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, we introduce you to a young French priest who is charge of the Catholic chaplains providing spiritual support to the world’s top athletes.

Final preparations are underway as tens of thousands are expected in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress – the CEO of the National Eucharistic Congress, Tim Glemkowski, gives us a final preview and award-winning Catholic musician Matt Maher tells what he’s looking forward to in leading worship amid adoration. The four National Eucharistic Pilgrimages are taking their final steps ahead of convening in Indianapolis – we have full reports from Catherine Hadro, Montse Alvarado, Mark Irons, and Roselle Reyes. And in a major announcement, Patrick Kelly - the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus – tells Montse Alvarado the organization’s decision to cover mosaics by the accused abuser Fr. Marko Rupnik.

As the Supreme Court concludes a blockbuster term, Amy Howe of SCOTUSBlog recaps the significant cases ranging from abortion to homelessness and beyond. A presidential historian explains the significance of the Supreme Court decision to grant former President Donald Trump immunity. Mark Irons catches up with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s North Marian Route in Chicago, as Christ comes to the Windy City. Colm Flynn sits down with the Vatican’s first auditor general to hear why his proposed audit was shut down. And we’re joined by award-winning actor and producer Demetrius Grosse on why he wants his new film “Sound of Hope” to motivate people to take action in caring for foster care children.

The U.S. Supreme Court rules Idaho emergency rooms must perform abortions. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off in their first 2024 presidential debate – we have Catholic analysis. The head of Vatican Communications recently defended the use of disgraced mosaic artist Fr. Marko Rupnik’s art. And pilgrims traveling on the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s St. Juan Diego Route marked their half-way point at the Shrine that Mother Angelica built in Hanceville, Alabama.

Supreme Court upholds federal gun ban for people under domestic violence restraining orders. The state of the pro-life movement two years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Pro-life experts analyze the messy state of abortion politics today. A look at the vibrant Catholic community in Kenya. A photographer’s experience capturing the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.