Francis X. Rocca

Francis X. Rocca is the Vatican Editor for EWTN News. He has covered the Vatican since 2007, most recently for The Wall Street Journal, where he also reported on global religion. He has written for Time, The Times Literary Supplement and The Atlantic, among other publications. Rocca is the director of a documentary film, “Voices of Vatican II: Participants Recall the Council.”

Articles by Francis X. Rocca

The main altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Credit: Jorge Royan (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Pope Leo centralizes oversight of St. Peter’s and St. Mary Major basilicas

Nov 26, 2025 / 08:00 am

Promulgated this month, the decree abrogates two earlier such decrees concerning the Fabric of St. Peter’s and the Chapter of St. Mary Major.

Pope Leo XIV greets participants in a seminar organized by the Pontifical Academy of Theology on Sept. 13, 2025, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV urges theologians to defend creation and human dignity in the age of AI

Sep 13, 2025 / 12:30 pm

Citing the examples of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, he said the great masters of the past modeled a synthesis of faith and reason that can guide theology today.

Ferrara, Italy, resident Davide Andreoli and his family visit St. Peter’s Square for the Jubilee of People with Disabilities, Monday, April 28, 2025. Credit: Courtney Mares/CNA

Pope Leo approves new measures to include people with disabilities in Vatican workforce

Sep 13, 2025 / 11:30 am

The updated regulations require Vatican offices to welcome and support employees with disabilities, including by providing accommodations where needed.

Cardinal Fernando Filoni speaks to EWTN News Nightly” on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Credit: EWTN News

Cardinal Filoni: ‘We remain with the people’ in war‑torn Middle East 

Jul 23, 2025 / 07:00 am

In a wide‑ranging interview with “EWTN News Nightly,” Cardinal Fernando Filoni underscored that the Middle East remains an area of vital importance.

Pope Leo XIV tells political leaders that “natural law, which is universally valid apart from and above other more debatable beliefs, constitutes the compass by which to take our bearings in legislating and acting” at the Jubilee of Governments on June 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV tells politicians that AI should serve human beings, not replace them

Jun 21, 2025 / 09:30 am

Pope Leo XIV urged political leaders from around the world to promote the common good, warning especially of the threat to human dignity from artificial intelligence.