CNA Staff

CNA Staff

The Catholic News Agency (CNA) Staff are a team of journalists dedicated to reporting news concerning the Catholic Church around the world. Our bureaus are located in Denver, Washington, and Rome. We have sister language agencies in Kenya, Germany, Peru, Brazil, and Italy. CNA is a service of EWTN News. You can contact us at news@catholicna.com with questions.

Articles by CNA Staff

Chaput says denying Biden Communion is ‘pastoral’ not ‘political’

Dec 4, 2020 / 11:23 am

Archbishop Charles Chaput said that Catholic president-elect Joe Biden should not receive Holy Communion because of his support for the “grave moral evil” of abortion.

In landmark ruling, U.K. high court says children unlikely to be able to give informed consent to puberty blockers

Dec 2, 2020 / 13:00 pm

The U.K.’s high court ruled Tuesday that children are unlikely to be mature enough to give informed consent to medical treatment involving drugs that delay puberty.

CNA Editor's Desk: It’s Canonical Big Block of Cheese Day!

Nov 25, 2020 / 00:00 am

Editors - and canon lawyers - JD Flynn and Ed Condon take questions from listeners in this special Thanksgiving episode. Questions include the possibility of baptism in American Sign Language and whether priests can be given permission to celebrate four Masses in one day. Listen below, or on your favorite podcast platform. And have a happy Thanksgiving! <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/936040801&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/its-canonical-big-block-of-cheese-day" title="It’s Canonical Big Block of Cheese Day!" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">It’s Canonical Big Block of Cheese Day!</a></div>

The McCarrick Report: A timeline

Nov 21, 2020 / 03:22 am

Published by the Vatican Nov. 10, the report examines the “institutional knowledge and decision-making” regarding Theodore McCarrick, the former cardinal found guilty of sexual abuse of minors and seminarians in 2019 and laicized after an expedited canonical investigation.

CNA Editor's Desk: The Problem with Tribalism

Nov 20, 2020 / 00:00 am

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon return this week to talk at length about the US Bishops’ Fall General Assembly.  They also discuss the latest ‘Vos estis’ investigation, and a surprising lawsuit in Rome.  Listen to the full episode below, or on your favorite podcast platform. <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/933208558&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/the-problem-with-tribalism" title="The Problem with Tribalism" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">The Problem with Tribalism</a></div>

CNA Editor's Desk: "The McCarrick Report is here"

Nov 12, 2020 / 00:00 am

This week on the podcast, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the long-awaited “McCarrick Report,” which chronicles the many misdeeds of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Listen here or on any podcast app: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/928105981&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/the-mccarrick-report-is-here" title="The McCarrick Report is here" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">The McCarrick Report is here</a></div>

CNA Editor's Desk: "A Toast to Transparency"

Nov 6, 2020 / 00:00 am

On this week's podcast, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the still-contested general election in the US; the McCarrick Report, which is expected to be released next week; a little-noticed canon law change related to religious orders; take another deep dive into Vatican finances; and more.  Listen here or on any podcast app: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/924701998&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/a-toast-to-transparency" title="A Toast to Transparency" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">A Toast to Transparency</a></div>

Brazilian court prohibits 'Catholic' name for abortion advocacy group

Nov 1, 2020 / 08:00 am

A Brazilian court has ruled that “Catholics for the Right to Decide” must remove the term “Catholic” from its name, as the organization’s goals are incompatible with the values of the Catholic Church. The organization is an outgrowth of the U.S. based Catholics for Choice, which advocates for pro-abortion policies.

CNA Editor's Desk: "Airport Code or Religious Order?"

Oct 30, 2020 / 00:00 am

In this week’s podcast episode, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss Halloween; an Islamist attack in a church in Nice, France; give an update on the Vatican financial scandal; and much more.   Stick around for a fan-requested game at the end: “Airport Code or Religious Order?"   Listen here or on any podcast app:   <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/920591971&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/airport-code-or-religious-order" title="Airport Code or Religious Order?" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Airport Code or Religious Order?</a></div>

Pakistan Catholics protest after abduction, forced marriage of 13 year-old Catholic girl

Oct 29, 2020 / 09:15 am

Catholics in Pakistan are protesting a judge’s decision not to intervene after a 44-year-old man allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old Catholic girl, forced her to convert to Islam, and then married her. 

CNA Editor's Desk: "What's up (with the) doc"

Oct 23, 2020 / 00:00 am

In this week’s episode, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss a documentary film that appears to show footage of Pope Francis giving his support to same-sex civil unions. They also talk about the Vatican’s recent renewal of the controversial China deal; an extended plenary indulgence; and much more.  Listen here or on any podcast app: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/916782757&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/whats-up-with-the-doc" title="What’s up (with the) doc" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">What’s up (with the) doc</a></div>

CNA Editor's Desk: "The Reversal of JD Flynn"

Oct 16, 2020 / 00:00 am

This week on the podcast, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of prospective Justice Amy Coney Barrett; an Italian ‘security consultant’ with links to the Vatican financial scandal, who was arrested this week; and a mystery surrounding the burning of an altar in New Orleans after a “demonic” desecration.  Listen here or on any podcast app: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/911912083&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/the-reversal-of-jd-flynn" title="The Reversal of JD Flynn" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">The Reversal of JD Flynn</a></div>

CNA Editor's Desk: "That's all, folks"

Oct 9, 2020 / 00:00 am

In this week’s podcast episode, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the pope’s new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti; they also talk about Carlo Acutis, the newest millennial saint; and another relatively new saint, Cardinal John Henry Newman; two tragic stories out of New Orleans; and more.  Listen here or on any podcast app: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/907939696&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/thats-all-folks" title="That’s all, folks" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">That’s all, folks</a></div>

CNA Editor's Desk: "How did we get here?"

Oct 2, 2020 / 00:00 am

This week on the podcast, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon briefly discuss the first presidential debate, the annual Al Smith Dinner, and democracy; and then take another deep dive into the Vatican's financial scandal to answer the question: how did Vatican finances get where they are today? This week’s special guest is Karna Lozoya from the Catholic University of America, who hosts the new podcast, “Crisis.” She joins to talk about her podcast and to play a trivia game about famous crises throughout history. Listen to CNA Editor's Desk here, or on any podcast app: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/903675892&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/how-did-we-get-here" title="How did we get here?" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">How did we get here?</a></div> Don't miss this bonus episode, adding to their conversation: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/905214778&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/bonus-did-becciu-pay-off-pells-accusers" title="BONUS: Did Becciu pay off Pell’s accusers?" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">BONUS: Did Becciu pay off Pell’s accusers?</a></div> To listen to the “Crisis” podcast, click here.  

CNA Editor's Desk: "Becciu didn't see this coming"

Sep 25, 2020 / 00:00 am

CNA editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the resignation of a prominent cardinal, presumably over financial scandal; the Supreme Court vacancy and what might happen next; and, as a special bonus, Father Pius Pietrzyk, OP joins at the end for a discussion about canon law, an analysis of the Senate’s confirmation process, and a game.    Listen here or on any podcast app:   <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/899607712&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/becciu-didnt-see-this-coming" title="Becciu didn’t see this coming" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Becciu didn’t see this coming</a></div>

CNA Editor's Desk: "The Blest Wing"

Sep 18, 2020 / 00:00 am

This week on the podcast, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the second known instance of a priest realizing his baptism was invalid; the continued controversy over Netflix’s “Cuties”; an update on the Vatican-China deal; and much more. They also talk about Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the United Kingdom ten years ago; debate canon law as it relates to baptisms; and JD asks Ed some riddles.  Listen here or on any podcast app: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/895710775&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/the-blest-wing" title="The Blest Wing" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">The Blest Wing</a></div>

Video series echoes Bishop Olmsted's call 'into the breach'

Sep 8, 2020 / 09:00 am

A video series encouraging men to spiritual and moral leadership of their families will be broadcast this week, based upon a call to men from Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix.

Princeton legal scholar says Biden pledge to codify Roe is ‘disgraceful’

Sep 4, 2020 / 08:30 am

A pledge by Joe Biden to codify Roe v Wade into federal law is “disgraceful,” a Catholic law professor has said, and argued that the 1973 Supreme Court decision that imposed an abortion “regime” on the country must be reversed.

CNA Editor's Desk: Masks and McCarrick

Sep 4, 2020 / 00:00 am

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon crack open the Code of Canon Law to discuss the case of a Colorado priest who told parishioners to disobey their bishop on mask wearing. They also discuss the elusive McCarrick report and the latest on relations between the Vatican and China. Listen below, or on your favorite podcast platform.  <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/887999053&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/masks-and-mccarrick" title="Masks and McCarrick" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Masks and McCarrick</a></div>

CNA Editor's Desk: "The Church Supplies"

Aug 28, 2020 / 00:00 am

On the podcast this week, CNA editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss baptism and the sacraments, in the context of a Detroit priest who learned this summer that he was invalidly baptized. We also hear about Ed and JD's weddings; JD gives Ed an assessment of how he’s been doing as a CNA editor for the past two years; and they have one of the most passionate debates about television you will ever hear.  Listen here or on any podcast app: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/883815394&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237" title="CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">CNA Editor&#x27;s Desk</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-714262237/the-church-supplies" title="&quot;The Church Supplies&quot;" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">&quot;The Church Supplies&quot;</a></div>