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Pope leads pilgrims in prayer one day after leaving hospital

The pontiff, five days after undergoing surgery for cancer, said he would “gradually resume my activities.”

By Victoria Cardiel · 10 hours ago

Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, one day after leaving the hospital for cancer surgery, on Oct. 18, 2026. | Credit: Zofia Czubak/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, one day after leaving the hospital for cancer surgery, on Oct. 18, 2026. | Credit: Zofia Czubak/EWTN News

Pope’s surgeon green lights Nov. 6–17 apostolic trip to Latin America

“No clinical reasons why it should not take place,” said Dr. Stefano Margaritora, who called Pope Leo “an ideal patient.”

Pope Leo XIV cleared to leave hospital Saturday after successful surgery

Pope Leo speaks with Russian President Putin by phone

Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, spoke with Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 16, 2026. | Credit: FotoField/Shutterstock

Vatican releases first photos of Pope Leo XIV following surgery

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass on Oct. 16, 2026, in a makeshift chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, where he has been recovering from lung surgery on Oct. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Cardinal Parolin: Pope Leo’s demanding Latin America trip now depends on doctors

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, meets with Pope Leo XIV on June 5, 2025, at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media

Editors’ Picks

International rosary in Rome held in advance of 100th World Mission Sunday

The rosary, recited in 13 languages, also marked the 75th anniversary of the World Mission Rosary by Blessed Fulton Sheen.

By Ishmael Adibuah · Yesterday

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dean of the College of Cardinals and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, led an international rosary at the Pontifical Urban College in Rome on Oct. 17, 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday. | Credit: Ishmael Adibuah/EWTN News

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dean of the College of Cardinals and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, led an international rosary at the Pontifical Urban College in Rome on Oct. 17, 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday. | Credit: Ishmael Adibuah/EWTN News

For the first time in 5 years, the number of priests worldwide rose

The Catholic Church has 407,421 priests, 425 more than the previous year. Africa and Asia are driving this growth, while Europe recorded another decline.

‘The Chosen’ releases official trailer for Season 6

Bishop: ‘Indiscriminate’ ICE raids incite anxiety, fear in California’s Central Valley

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents walk with a detainee in Ventura, California, on July 27, 2026. | Credit: Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images

In wake of deadly shooting at Oregon elementary school, bishops call for prayer

Community members grieve during a candlelight vigil at Drake Park on Oct. 15, 2026, in Bend, Oregon. | Credit: Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images

Federal funding restored to Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley

Sister Norma Pimentel, a Missionary of Jesus and executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, speaks during an interview with “EWTN News in Depth” on July 31, 2026. | Credit: EWTN News

International

Jordan’s Church leaders back bill expanding legal options for Christian families

The proposed changes are expected to allow Christians to address a range of personal status matters under their churches’ laws, including marriage, divorce, wills, and adoption.

By Souhail Lawand · 9 hours ago

Church leaders in Jordan welcomed proposed amendments to the Christian Denominations Councils Law. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

Church leaders in Jordan welcomed proposed amendments to the Christian Denominations Councils Law. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

Priest in Ghana recounts escape from car fire, urges devotion to the rosary

After surviving a life-threatening fire, Father David Obeng Paintsil called the rosary “a really powerful prayer.”

In a wealthy Asian city, a play asks why St. Clare of Assisi chose to own nothing

German bishops join initiative for ‘child-friendly’ artificial intelligence

Members of the German Bishops’ Conference at the opening Mass in Fulda Cathedral on Sept. 28, 2026. | Credit: Deutsche Bischofskonferenz/Marko Orlovic

Jesuit Refugee Service UK calls Catholic finance leaders to aid refugees

Migrant men wait to be processed by police and border force officials in Dungeness, Kent, United Kingdom, on Sept. 9, 2022. | Credit: Sean Aidan Calderbank/Shutterstock

Australia’s antislavery chief, who praised Catholics as ‘national leader,’ says reforms fall short

Workers at sewing machines in a garment factory. Australia’s antislavery commissioner estimates the country imports billions of dollars’ worth of goods each year at risk of having been made with forced labor. | Credit: xiao yu/Shutterstock

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV calls world hunger a ‘terrible offense’ against human dignity

The pontiff, still hospitalized after surgery, sent a message for World Food Day on Friday.

By Ishmael Adibuah · October 16, 2026

Pope Leo XIV delivers remarks at the headquarters of the U.N. World Food Programme in Rome on June 22, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV delivers remarks at the headquarters of the U.N. World Food Programme in Rome on June 22, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV recovering after lung cancer surgery; Vatican says he intends to make South America trip

Doctors say the pontiffʼs recovery is proceeding as expected, while the Vatican confirms his desire to go ahead with a planned visit to Latin America in November.

Pope Leo XIV calls the death penalty ‘inadmissible’ after announcement of public execution in US

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How a Catholic Mission Supports Converts from Islam to Christianity

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Wisconsin voters to weigh ban on church closures in health emergencies

The measure comes more than six years after the Diocese of Madison threatened to sue the local government of Dane County over its imposition of a 50-person cap on Mass attendance in 2020.

By Madalaine Elhabbal · October 16, 2026

Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison, Wisconsin. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison, Wisconsin. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Culture of Life

Catholic theologian challenges U.S. Senate candidate on abortion: ‘The Bible is not silent’

Professor Jodi Hunt told EWTN News she thinks Talarico was trying to appear as a “centrist” to undecided voters, or Republicans unhappy with the party, but she does not think he was convincing.

By Amira Abuzeid · Yesterday

Democratic candidate for US Senate James Talarico, speaking during a press conference in Dallas, Texas, on September 10, 2026. | Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

Democratic candidate for US Senate James Talarico, speaking during a press conference in Dallas, Texas, on September 10, 2026. | Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

Sen. Hawley asks FDA to address concerns over incomplete data in abortion drug safety study

Here is a roundup of recent pro-life and abortion-related news.

University of Notre Dame’s ethics center gives 2027 pro-life award to Dominican sisters

Unborn baby wins wrongful death lawsuit against abortionist

Baby feet. | Credit: RAMNIKLAL MODI/Shutterstock

As Respect Life Month begins, Catholic leaders share advice on how to talk about abortion

Catholics across the United States celebrate Respect Life Month each October. | Credit: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C.

March for Life reveals 2027 theme, with truth as the focus

Pro-lifers march for life in downtown Washington, D.C., Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. | Credit: Tessa Gervasini/EWTN News

Immigration

U.S. Catholic bishops, National Association of Evangelicals issue joint declaration on immigration

The document “A Call for Christian Compassion and Wisdom in the Immigration Debate” is the product of the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue on Immigration.

By Tyler Arnold · October 14, 2026

Crowd at a rally of immigrants and supporters calling for legal reforms in Washington D.C. | Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Shutterstock

Crowd at a rally of immigrants and supporters calling for legal reforms in Washington D.C. | Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Shutterstock

St. Louis Archdiocese sues over limits on sacraments for ICE detainees

The Archdiocese of St. Louis says it has been discriminated against in its efforts to minister to Catholic ICE detainees.

Pope Leo: Europe must return to its Christian roots and be open to migrants

In Metz, Pope Leo steps into Europe’s deepening divide over immigration

Pope Leo XIV walks with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the first lady of France, Brigitte Macron, at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Sept. 25, 2026. | Credit: Alessia Giuliani/EWTN News/Vatican Pool

Survey finds immigration enforcement activity at schools, courthouses

A child cries after his father was detained by federal agents as they left a hearing in immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on Aug. 26, 2025, in New York. | Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Catholic Church in U.S. to focus National Migration Week on migrant children

Pope Leo XIV meets a woman from Cuba and her twin babies during an encounter with staff and beneficiaries, including migrants, of the CEDIA 24 Horas center, part of the Caritas of the Archdiocese of Madrid in Spain on June 6, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News
TRENDING News
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A first look at the portrayal of Jesus’ crucifixion in Season 6 of “The Chosen.” | Credit: 5&2 Studios
‘The Chosen’ releases official trailer for Season 6
The new trailer already has over 1 million views on YouTube in the 24 hours since its release.
2
For the first time in 5 years, the number of priests worldwide rose
3
Pope’s surgeon green lights Nov. 6–17 apostolic trip to Latin America
4
Pope Leo speaks with Russian President Putin by phone
5
Catholic theologian challenges U.S. Senate candidate on abortion: ‘The Bible is not silent’

Vatican cardinal visits UK to promote interfaith dialogue and peace

The prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, is in the United Kingdom for the first time meeting with faith leaders.

By Isabella Reed · October 16, 2026

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad speaks to EWTN News in September 2025. | Credit: EWTN News

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad speaks to EWTN News in September 2025. | Credit: EWTN News

Thirty states have adopted some version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) first signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1993. | Credit: Leigh Prather/Shutterstock
US

What is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act?

The 1993 law allows religious objectors to sue the government for “substantially burdening” their...

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Catholic leaders call on Congress to protect disability rights after DOJ legal shift

Catholic leaders urged Congress to defend disability rights, warning a new Department of Justice opinion could threaten community-based care.

By Francesca Pollio Fenton · October 16, 2026

U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Tanarch/Shutterstock

U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Tanarch/Shutterstock

This Week in Photos

Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Oct. 11, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican

Pope Leo XIV shares message after lung cancer surgery

1/20

Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Oct. 11, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Dr. Jeff McGovern, a pulmonologist and member of the Catholic Medical Association, discusses Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis on “EWTN News Nightly” on Oct. 14, 2026. | Credit: “EWTN News Nightly”/Screenshot

World

Catholic lung cancer specialists weigh in on Pope Leo XIV’s diagnosis

1/20

Dr. Jeff McGovern, a pulmonologist and member of the Catholic Medical Association, discusses Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis on “EWTN News Nightly” on Oct. 14, 2026. | Credit: “EWTN News Nightly”/Screenshot

Pope Leo XIV prays a rosary for peace with hundreds of children in the Vatican Gardens on Oct. 1, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Vatican Pool

Vatican

Pope Leo XIV announces he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule

1/20

Pope Leo XIV prays a rosary for peace with hundreds of children in the Vatican Gardens on Oct. 1, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News/Vatican Pool

The pope crosses himself at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News

Vatican

Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, Vatican says

1/20

The pope crosses himself at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News

The chapel at Gemelli Hosptial in Rome bears the name and contains a relic of a pope who knew these corridors well: St. John Paul II. He and Pope Francis were both treated at the hospital. | Credit: Courtney Mares/EWTN News

Vatican

What we know about Pope Leo XIV’s health

1/20

The chapel at Gemelli Hosptial in Rome bears the name and contains a relic of a pope who knew these corridors well: St. John Paul II. He and Pope Francis were both treated at the hospital. | Credit: Courtney Mares/EWTN News

Katie Zacharia, the newly appointed White House press secretary, attends at the premiere of “David” on Dec. 14, 2025, in Franklin, Tennessee. | Credit: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for 2521 Entertainment and Angel Studios

World

New White House press secretary describes ‘miracle’ when her mother chose adoption over abortion

1/20

Katie Zacharia, the newly appointed White House press secretary, attends at the premiere of “David” on Dec. 14, 2025, in Franklin, Tennessee. | Credit: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for 2521 Entertainment and Angel Studios

Pope Leo XIV points his hand to the sky as he waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 23, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

World

What is pulmonary adenocarcinoma? An oncologist explains and talks about Pope Leo XIV’s recovery

1/20

Pope Leo XIV points his hand to the sky as he waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 23, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV arrives at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome for surgery to remove a lung nodule on Oct. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News

Vatican

EWTN News explains: Who’s in charge of the Vatican while Pope Leo XIV is hospitalized?

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Pope Leo XIV arrives at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome for surgery to remove a lung nodule on Oct. 13, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN News

Oakland, California. | Credit: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock

World

‘Not a happy result’: Federal bankruptcy court rejects Diocese of Oakland settlement plan

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Oakland, California. | Credit: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock

Candles surround a statue of St. Peregrine at a prayer room in Sierra Chapel, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California, on May 4, 2025. | Credit: Tom Windeknecht/Shutterstock

Vatican

Who is St. Peregrine, the ‘cancer saint’ Catholics are invoking for Pope Leo XIV?

1/20

Candles surround a statue of St. Peregrine at a prayer room in Sierra Chapel, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California, on May 4, 2025. | Credit: Tom Windeknecht/Shutterstock

The tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

World

St. Carlo Acutis’ doctors recall his last days in the hospital

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The tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

A first look at the portrayal of Jesus’ crucifixion in Season 6 of “The Chosen.” | Credit: 5&2 Studios

World

‘The Chosen’ releases official trailer for Season 6

1/20

A first look at the portrayal of Jesus’ crucifixion in Season 6 of “The Chosen.” | Credit: 5&2 Studios

Casting a ballot. | Credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

World

U.S. midterm elections spark multiple Catholic voting exhortations

1/20

Casting a ballot. | Credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

The U.S. Capitol at sunset. | Credit: Greg Meland/Shutterstock

World

Pew midterm poll: Catholics prefer Democratic House candidates by 3-point margin

1/20

The U.S. Capitol at sunset. | Credit: Greg Meland/Shutterstock

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass on Oct. 16, 2026, in a makeshift chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, where he has been recovering from lung surgery on Oct. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican

Vatican releases first photos of Pope Leo XIV following surgery

1/20

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass on Oct. 16, 2026, in a makeshift chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, where he has been recovering from lung surgery on Oct. 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, spoke with Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 16, 2026. | Credit: FotoField/Shutterstock

Vatican

Pope Leo speaks with Russian President Putin by phone

1/20

Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, spoke with Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 16, 2026. | Credit: FotoField/Shutterstock

An Irish Republican supporter holds a sign saying “From Cable Street to Garvaghy Road, Smash Fascism” during a rally. The 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street was commemorated on Oct. 4, 2026, in the east end of London, while Garvaghy Road in Portadown, Northern Ireland, is the site of a recent dispute involving unionists and Irish Republicans. | Credit: Martin Pope/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

World

UK government blocks Northern Ireland unionist march through Catholic neighborhood

1/20

An Irish Republican supporter holds a sign saying “From Cable Street to Garvaghy Road, Smash Fascism” during a rally. The 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street was commemorated on Oct. 4, 2026, in the east end of London, while Garvaghy Road in Portadown, Northern Ireland, is the site of a recent dispute involving unionists and Irish Republicans. | Credit: Martin Pope/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The pope waves in St. Peter's Square on April 29, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican

Pope Leo XIV sends message after surgery to Vatican conference, asks for prayers

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The pope waves in St. Peter's Square on April 29, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks is seen here on his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain on Oct. 11, 2026. | Credit: Courtesy of Archbishop Ronald Hicks

World

‘Do It, Do It, Do It’: New York Archbishop Walks the Camino de Santiago

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New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks is seen here on his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain on Oct. 11, 2026. | Credit: Courtesy of Archbishop Ronald Hicks

“Death of St. Bernardine,” 1487-89: Fresco by Cappella Bufalini, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome. | Credit: picryl/Public domain

Vatican

Praying for Pope Leo? Meet the patron saint of lung problems

1/20

“Death of St. Bernardine,” 1487-89: Fresco by Cappella Bufalini, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome. | Credit: picryl/Public domain

World News

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US

Democratic candidate for US Senate James Talarico, speaking during a press conference in Dallas, Texas, on September 10, 2026. | Credit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
US

Catholic theologian challenges U.S. Senate candidate on abortion: ‘The Bible is not silent’

By Amira Abuzeid
· Yesterday
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Europe

Two Comboni missionary sisters in Mozambique (undated). | Credit: Pontifical Mission Societies Spain
Europe

A century of Church growth: From 10 million to 347 million in the mission territories

By Nicolás de Cárdenas
· Yesterday
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Americas

Father Rafael Becerra and participants of “The Truth about Guadalupe” course in San Antonio. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Rafael Becerra
Americas

Guadalupan Institute established in San Antonio, looks to be replicated throughout U.S.

By David Ramos
· October 16, 2026
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Americas

Father Rafael Becerra and participants of “The Truth about Guadalupe” course in San Antonio. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Rafael Becerra
Americas

Guadalupan Institute established in San Antonio, looks to be replicated throughout U.S.

By David Ramos
· October 16, 2026
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Asia-Pacific

The audience arrives at the Church of St. Mary of the Angels in Singapore for the opening night of the performance “TO GAZE: St. Clare of Assisi,” on Oct. 16, 2026. | Credit: Benedict Tang
Asia-Pacific

In a wealthy Asian city, a play asks why St. Clare of Assisi chose to own nothing

By Benedict Tang
· Yesterday
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Middle East

Church leaders in Jordan welcomed proposed amendments to the Christian Denominations Councils Law. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Middle East

Jordan’s Church leaders back bill expanding legal options for Christian families

By Souhail Lawand
· 9 hours ago
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Africa

Father David Obeng Paintsil, Founder Global Rosary Network | Photo courtesy of Shalom World
Africa

Priest in Ghana recounts escape from car fire, urges devotion to the rosary

By Sabrine Amboka
· 10 hours ago
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