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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 8, 2025 / 17:26 pm (CNA).

EWTN Chairman and CEO Michael Warsaw reacted with joy to the election of the first American pontiff.

"It is with great joy that I welcome the election of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV," Warsaw said in a statement. "The election of a new pope is always a historic moment in the life of the Church, but the election of the first American-born pope is particularly momentous."

Reflecting on the new pope's trajectory, Warsaw noted that "the new Holy Father carries with him enormous experience as a missionary priest and bishop, which no doubt will help to shape his ministry as the 266th successor of St. Peter."

Warsaw, who under Pope Francis served as a consultor with the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, added that "on behalf of the global EWTN family, I want to assure Pope Leo of our prayers as he begins his service to the universal Church." 

The 69-year-old new pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected the first pope from the United States on Thursday. A native of Chicago, Leo spoke in Italian and Spanish from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, addressing the tens of thousands of people gathered below. His first words to the faithful were "Peace be with you all."

The identity of the new pope was announced just over an hour after white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. The cardinal electors watched from balconies flanking the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica as Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared in Latin: "Habemus papam!"

EWTN is the largest Catholic media organization in the world, with 11 global TV channels and numerous regional channels that are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 435 million television households in more than 160 countries and territories. 

EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 600 domestic and international AM and FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; one of the most visited Catholic websites in the U.S.; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., EWTN News operates multiple global news services, including Catholic News Agency; The National Catholic Register newspaper and digital platform; ACI Prensa in Spanish; ACI Digital in Portuguese; ACI Stampa in Italian; ACI Africa in English, French, and Portuguese; ACI MENA in Arabic; CNA Deutsch in German; and ChurchPop, a digital platform that creates content in several languages. It also produces numerous television news programs including "EWTN News Nightly," "EWTN News In Depth," "EWTN Pro-Life Weekly," and "The World Over with Raymond Arroyo," among others.

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Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 12:11 pm (CNA).

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 6:09 p.m. Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

Thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square erupted in cheers as the bells of the basilica began to toll, confirming the election of a new pontiff. The crowds gathered as word spread throughout Rome that a new pope had been chosen.

The new pontiff appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at approximately 7:25 p.m. local time, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals and prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, announced in Latin: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!"

("I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope!")

Before appearing on the balcony, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV spent time in the "Room of Tears," a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. This traditionally named room is where new pontiffs first don the papal vestments and have a moment of private prayer and reflection as they absorb the magnitude of their election to the Chair of St. Peter.

Following the announcement, Leo XIV addressed the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square and those watching around the world, offering his first blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) as the new Roman pontiff.

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CNA Newsroom, May 8, 2025 / 13:14 pm (CNA).

Follow here for live coverage as the conclave unfolds: updates, insights, and key moments in the election of the 266th successor to St. Peter and 267th leader of the Catholic Church.

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CNA Newsroom, May 8, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Follow here for live coverage as the conclave unfolds: updates, insights, and key moments in the election of the 266th successor to St. Peter and 267th leader of the Catholic Church.

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CNA Newsroom, May 8, 2025 / 03:27 am (CNA).

Follow here for live coverage as the conclave unfolds: updates, insights, and key moments in the election of the 266th successor to St. Peter and 267th leader of the Catholic Church.

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 7, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

As online gambling continues to grow in the United States, mostly on sports and casino games, bookmakers have also opened betting markets for a variety of other contests, including the current papal conclave.

The College of Cardinals is now in the midst of a papal conclave to select the next earthly head of the Catholic Church in a solemn closed-door process. This conclave has attracted global interest from Catholics and non-Catholics alike, along with tens of millions of dollars' worth of bets on the outcome.

Polymarket, a popular cryptocurrency-based betting platform, is overseeing more than $18 million worth of bets on the papal conclave. Another platform, Kalshi, is managing nearly $6.7 million.

The oddsmakers on Polymarket list Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin as the favorite to be selected with 27% odds and rank Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at second with a 22% chance. The cardinals just below them include Matteo Zuppi at 11%, Pierbattista Pizzaballa at 10%, and Peter Erdo at 7%.

Bettors can "buy" a potential winner, which means they are betting on that person to be selected as the pope, or they can "sell," which is a bet that the cardinal will not be chosen. The specific payouts for every bet depend on the odds set on the platform.

On Polymarket, more than $1.3 million has been placed on Tagle's candidacy, and another $1.3 million has been bet on Dutch Cardinal Willem "Wim" Eijk, whom the oddsmakers give 1% odds. More than $1 million has also been placed on Parolin, Cardinal Peter Turkson, and Cardinal Robert Sarah each.

The uncertainty of papal conclaves

The limited knowledge of bookmakers and the general public, along with the secretiveness of the papal conclave process and the lack of public campaigning, contributes to uncertainties surrounding the real odds, or chances, that a specific person will emerge as pope.

Tom Nash, a contributing apologist for Catholic Answers, told CNA that it's clear who "the most well-known cardinals are heading into the conclave," but that does not necessarily show "how they stack up as papabili in the eyes of their fellow cardinal electors."

"I think some cardinals who are faring well among the oddsmakers and media, including because of the prominent role they had under Pope Francis, may actually have less of a chance than some others who are considered long shots," he said.

Nash noted that ahead of the 2003 papal conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was "a man whom many thought would continue the gains of Pope St. John Paul II … and Benedict XVI," yet he "couldn't muster the needed two-thirds majority." The cardinals ultimately chose then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who took the papal name Francis.

Cardinals have already met in more than a week's worth of pre-conclave congregations, but as Nash pointed out, those are not open to the public.

"The more public the process, the more likely cardinals can be negatively influenced by various means of coercion, including from political leaders," he said. "And various parties have tried to influence the papal election process over the centuries."

Nash noted that the 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis asks cardinals to refrain from receiving or sending messages outside of Vatican City during the election process and prohibits conclave participants from receiving newspapers, listening to the radio, or watching television.

The same document prohibits any "pact, agreement, promise, or other commitment of any kind" to vote for a specific person but does not prohibit the exchange of views before the election or discussions during the conclave that help arrive at a consensus.

"The pre-conclave congregations give the cardinal electors ample opportunity to gain needed information from their fellow electors," Nash said. "And those who sought to publicly campaign for themselves or others can be sure they would undermine their own credibility and candidacy."

Is it moral to bet on a papal conclave?

Some Catholics have called into question the morality of betting on the papal conclave.

Gambling on a papal conclave used to be expressly forbidden by the Vatican, but that rule is no longer in effect. Pope Gregory XIV forbade "under the pain of excommunication" any bets on the selection of a pope or the creation of cardinals through the papal bull Cogit Nos in 1591. A 1918 revision of canon law, however, did not formally carry over this ban and no new prohibition has been put into place.

Yet Nash still expressed reservations about gambling on a conclave.

"I think Catholics should prayerfully consider how we can best give witness regarding this 2025 conclave, including because of the solemnity of the event and the possible corruption, God forbid, betting could introduce into the conclave," Nash said.

He added: "Our actions and related chatter could contribute to an occasion of sin for others, who might have more nefarious designs on the conclave and/or perhaps might bet more than they can afford."

"While I understand that betting on a conclave is a tempting prospect, we don't want to reduce this important event to the level of a mere sports competition — even more so because many American Christians and others worldwide are increasingly more religious in their devotion to their favorite sports than in living as committed disciples of Jesus Christ," he added.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, gambling is not inherently "contrary to justice." Yet, it becomes "morally unacceptable when [gambling deprives] someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others [or] the passion for gambling risks [becomes] an enslavement."

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CNA Newsroom, May 7, 2025 / 07:44 am (CNA).

The conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor will begin on May 7, as the Church enters the final preparatory phase for choosing its 267th pope.

Follow here for live updates of the latest news and information on the papal transition:

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 6, 2025 / 16:11 pm (CNA).

President Donald Trump's Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating an "anti-Catholic law" in Washington state that threatens priests with up to one year in jail if they fail to report child abuse they learn about during the sacrament of confession.

The new law, signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson last week, adds members of the clergy to the list of mandatory reporters for child abuse. It specifically states that clergy must report abuse, even if it is learned of during "privileged communication." All other mandatory reporters, such as nurses and therapists, are exempt from the reporting requirements when the information is obtained during "privileged communication."

A priest who refuses to report information learned during confession could be sent to jail for up to 364 days and receive a fine of up to $5,000.

In a press release, the DOJ expressed that one of its primary concerns is that the law seems to single out priests and confession. The law exempts most privileged communication from the mandatory reporting law but denies that right to priests by including the phrase "except for members of the clergy."

"The law appears to single out clergy as not entitled to assert applicable privileges, as compared to other reporting professionals," the DOJ wrote. "We take this matter very seriously and look forward to Washington state's cooperation with our investigation."

Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, sent a letter to the governor and called the mandate a "legislative attack on the Catholic Church and its sacrament of confession, a religious practice ordained by the Catholic Church dating back to the Church's origins."

"Not only does this new law put state authorities in direct conflict with the free exercise of a well-established religion, but your law demands that priests disobey one of the Catholic Church's first authorities related to confession," she wrote. "This state command runs afoul of the First Amendment."

Dhillon cited Catholic canon law, which states that "it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in manner and for any reason."

Bishops: 'Confessions remain sacred, secure, confidential'

The Washington State Catholic Conference, which represents the state's Catholic bishops, put out a statement to assure Catholics that "their confessions remain sacred, secure, confidential, and protected by the law of the Church."

"Catholic clergy may not violate the seal of confession — or they will be excommunicated from the Church," the statement, signed by Seattle Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, added.

The bishop noted that Church policy requires priests to report knowledge of child abuse to the police but "not if this information is obtained during confession." He wrote that the bishops are committed to working with civil authorities in ways that do not impugn the seal of confession.

"The Catholic Church agrees with the goal of protecting children and preventing child abuse," the statement added. "The Archdiocese of Seattle remains committed to reporting child sexual abuse, working with victim survivors towards healing, and protecting all minors and vulnerable people."

However, Etienne wrote: "While we remain committed to protecting minors and all vulnerable people from abuse, priests cannot comply with this law if the knowledge of abuse is obtained during the sacrament of reconciliation."

The bishop recalled the first reading from this past Sunday's Mass, in which apostles were arrested and thrown in jail for preaching Christianity, and cites St. Peter's remark to the Sanhedrin: "We must obey God rather than men."

"This is our stance now in the face of this new law," he wrote.

Eric Kniffin, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), told CNA that the new law "discriminates against religion on its face, which is really unusual."

Kniffin told CNA that over the last three years, he has "warned the Washington Legislature that a law that invades the clergy-penitent privilege would be challenged and found unconstitutional."

"I am confident that there will be litigation over this and that the law will be struck down," he said.

He noted that the DOJ investigation "does not commit the government to a particular course of action," but added: "I am encouraged that the DOJ is concerned about this law, and I believe the United States will look for opportunities to come alongside the religious plaintiffs in litigation."

Kniffin praised Washington state's bishops for publicly committing to safeguard the seal of confession but also warned that "it's hard for bishops to reassure Catholics when the law is asserting the right to force priests to break their vows."

"It is reasonable for the bishops to fear that the law could affect whether someone goes to confession or what they say in confession," he said.

"This law casts a cloud of doubt over the confessional," he continued, "and that fear of government discourages people from exercising their First Amendment rights."

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Vatican City, May 6, 2025 / 16:41 pm (CNA).

In the days leading up to the conclave to elect the next pope, the College of Cardinals gathered for 12 general congregations at the Vatican to reflect on the state of the Church and the many challenges it faces in the modern world.

The meetings, held from April 22 to May 6, included both cardinal electors under the age of 80 and non-electors over 80, who, while not eligible to vote in the conclave, actively participated in the discussions.

The early sessions focused on procedural matters, including funeral arrangements and confirming that the conclave would begin on May 7. As the days progressed, the cardinals turned their attention to urgent ecclesial and global concerns.

According to daily briefings from the Holy See Press Office, the cardinals addressed a wide range of topics, including evangelization, sexual abuse, Vatican finances, synodality, interreligious dialogue, war and conflict, and the desired profile of the next pope.

Attendance at the general congregations rose steadily over the first days of meetings, starting with approximately 60 cardinals on April 22 and climbing to over 180 by April 29. 

The 12th and final congregation took place on May 6 with 173 cardinals present, 130 of whom were electors.

"Among the main themes that emerged was the reaffirmation that many of the reforms promoted by Pope Francis need to be continued: the fight against abuse, economic transparency, reorganization of the Curia, synodality, commitment to peace, and care for creation," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said of the cardinals' last congregation meeting.

It should be noted that the general congregation discussions took place behind closed doors without any press access, and the daily summaries of topics covered provided by the Vatican were not all-encompassing. For example, topics addressed in Cardinal Joseph Zen's intervention on April 30, including a critique of the Synod on Synodality and explicit mention of scandals related to the late Theodore McCarrick and Father Marko Rupnik, were not reflected in the Holy See Press Office's briefing on the general congregation that day.

Here is a look at some of the challenges that the cardinals discussed ahead of the conclave:

Evangelization

Evangelization emerged as a recurring theme throughout the congregations. On May 5, during the 10th general congregation, there were interventions that focused on the Church's missionary nature and the transmission of the faith. On May 3, cardinals emphasized the need for a pope with a "prophetic spirit capable of leading a Church that does not close in on itself but knows how to go out and bring light to a world marked by despair," according to Bruni.

On May 2, the cardinals reflected on evangelization as the heart of Pope Francis' pontificate. Several interventions highlighted the urgency of effectively communicating the Gospel at all levels of Church life, from parishes to the Roman Curia. Several speakers highlighted the importance of mutual love as the first form of evangelization and another discussed "the hermeneutics of continuity" between the pontificates of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, particularly in relation to the Eucharist and the evangelizing mission of the Church.

On April 30, cardinals heard an intervention on the importance of coherence between the proclamation of the Gospel and the concrete witness of Christian life. Evangelization also featured in discussions on April 28.

War and global conflict

Cardinals from conflict zones offered firsthand testimony of the suffering caused by war. On May 5, the discussions included the theme of war and the fragmentation of the world. On May 3, cardinals reflected on the role of the Church and the pope in promoting peace. On May 2, particular attention was paid to the Eastern Churches, described as marked by suffering but also by strong faith.

On May 6, at the opening of the final congregation, the cardinals expressed regret over the lack of progress in peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions. They noted an intensification of attacks, particularly against civilians, and issued a heartfelt appeal for a permanent ceasefire and the negotiation of a just and lasting peace. The cardinals invited all the faithful to intensify their prayers for peace.

Sexual abuse

The issue of sexual abuse was discussed explicitly on May 2. Bruni noted that these wounds remain "open" and underlined the importance of awareness and identifying concrete paths for healing. Financial scandals were also mentioned as part of the Church's "counter-witness." The issue of abuse was also raised in the April 28 and May 6 sessions.

Vatican finances

On April 30, the cardinals discussed the financial situation of the Holy See. Cardinal Reinhard Marx presented an update on economic challenges and proposals for sustainability. Cardinal Kevin Farrell outlined the work of the Committee for Investments, while Cardinal Christoph Schönborn spoke about the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR). Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga provided an update on Vatican property and building renovations. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, apostolic almoner, spoke about the work of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.

Synodality

The Synod on Synodality came up in the interventions during several of the general congregations. On May 5, it was presented as "an expression of an ecclesiology of communion in which all are called to participate, listen, and discern together." On May 3, some of the cardinals emphasized synodality and collegiality. On May 2, they discussed synodality in relation to mission and the need to overcome secularism. On April 30, several interventions reflected on synodality as an expression of "differentiated co-responsibility" connected to episcopal collegiality, the Holy See Press Office said.

Divisions in the Church

Concerns about polarization within the Church were raised on May 5, with an intervention expressing alarm over internal divisions. On May 3, the cardinals discussed the Church's dual role to live communion within itself and to promote fraternity in the world. On April 30, an intervention reflected on the suffering caused by ecclesial and social polarization.

During their final congregation, the theme of divisions within the Church and in society was addressed again, along with the way in which the cardinals are called to exercise their role in relation to the papacy.

Priestly and religious vocations

Vocations were addressed in multiple sessions. On April 30, the topic was linked to the spiritual and pastoral renewal of the Church. On May 5, cardinals spoke about vocations, the family, and the Church's responsibility to educate the young.

Service to the poor and migrants

On May 5, the cardinals spoke about the importance of Caritas and its role not only in providing relief but also in defending the poor and bearing witness to the Gospel's call to justice. In the afternoon session on the same day, they discussed migration, recognizing migrants as a gift to the Church while also stressing the need to accompany them and support their faith.

Other topics

The cardinals also discussed care for creation, the legacy of Pope Francis, global fraternity, education as a tool for transformation, ecumenical dialogue, the role of the Curia, the importance of canon law, and the centrality of the liturgy.

In the final general congregation on May 6, the cardinals spoke of the "need to make the meetings of the College of Cardinals more significant on the occasion of consistories" in the future, as this would give the cardinals more of a chance to know one another. After 12 general congregations, the hope is the cardinal electors who hail from 70 different countries at least know each other a little better than they did 15 days ago as they begin the momentous task of electing the next successor of Peter.

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Puebla, Mexico, May 6, 2025 / 17:11 pm (CNA).

Thousands of people participated in the March for Life on May 3 in Mexico City to mark 18 years since abortion was decriminalized in Mexico's capital.

The march, organized by the Pasos por la Vida (Steps for Life) association along with other groups, set out from the Monument to the Revolution and followed a route of more than 1.2 miles to arrive at the City Congress, the legislative branch of Mexico City, a quasi state in the Mexican federal system. 

Young people, senior citizens, and entire families marched amid banners and signs with pro-life messages lamenting the lack of comprehensive policies to aid pregnant women. They also decried the terrible toll of almost two decades of legalized abortion.

Since April 2007, abortion has been legal in Mexico City up to the 12th week of pregnancy, making it the first federal entity in the country to adopt this measure. Since then, 22 other states have decriminalized abortion, with notable momentum during the six-year term of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018–2024), of the MORENA (National Regeneration Movement) political party.

Currently, President Claudia Sheinbaum, also of MORENA, continues to promote this same policy.

According to data from the Steps for Life organization, the cumulative effect of these new laws has resulted in "more than 292,000 Mexican lives never seeing the light of day." 

'Abortion hasn't solved anything'

During the rally held in front of the City Congress, a manifesto was read pointing out that "abortion hasn't solved anything."

Pilar Rebollo, outgoing leader of Steps for Life, warned that decriminalization, far from solving problems, has inflicted "a great many wounds, revictimized pregnant women, and deprived Mexico of an entire generation." 

In her speech, she also denounced the "manipulation of figures that renders both aborted children and wounded mothers invisible" in addition to criticizing "the lack of comprehensive policies that truly support women" and "the imposition of an agenda that turns death into a right and marginalizes the [child in the womb] because he doesn't produce anything, profiting from the most vulnerable."

"And meanwhile, Mexico bleeds," she lamented.

"Today we remember the missing generation and embrace every mother who has suffered in silence. But we also proclaim with hope that every heart that beats is a promise, and every step taken today can change history," Rebollo said.

Six demands to promote life

Also speaking during the event was Luisa Argueta, the march's national coordinator, who presented a series of demands addressing different areas.

She demanded politicians pass "a constitutional reform that recognizes the right to life from conception to natural death" as well as public policies that allocate funding "to motherhood, adoption, and palliative care, not death-dealing solutions."

The pro-life leader also called for the reinstatement of public reporting on abortion in Mexico City and emphasized the need for each state to publish "real and verifiable figures on abortions, homicides, and disappeared persons [missing and likely dead]."

She also called for "respect and protection for conscientious objection for medical personnel, who save lives."

Argueta also addressed society, urging it to abandon "the archaic idea" that motherhood is solely a woman's responsibility, and emphasized that "men and women need each other to make decisions and take responsibility."

Finally, she called for "active citizen participation," which means "we should support, donate, adopt, monitor, and vote for life."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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