CNA Staff

CNA Staff

The Catholic News Agency (CNA) Staff is a team of journalists dedicated to reporting news concerning the Catholic Church around the world. Our bureaus are located in Washington, D.C., 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

Cardinal George Pell has had his day in court

Mar 12, 2020 / 00:00 am

On this episode of the podcast, JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss and debate the week’s Catholic news, including updates on the abuse trial of Cardinal George Pell in Australia; an interesting document about the validity of marriages; and an update on the coronavirus outbreak and how it is affecting the Catholic Church worldwide. 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/775191679&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

Peruvian cardinal calls for suppression of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae

Mar 9, 2020 / 17:10 pm

A Peruvian cardinal has said that the Vatican has been asked to dissolve the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Peruvian religious community whose founder sexually and psychologically abused members, and committed other abuses of power.

Louisiana AG: Argument against Unsafe Abortion Act ‘absolutely a lie’

Mar 7, 2020 / 12:00 pm

In a Thursday interview, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said efforts to conflate the case with a Texas law regulating abortion clinics, struck down by the court in 2016, were clearly false. 

CNA Editor's Desk: This is not our coronavirus episode

Mar 5, 2020 / 00:00 am

JD Flynn, Ed Condon, and Carl Bunderson discuss and debate the week's top stories. Topics include coronavirus and the reception of Holy Communion; news that Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo suspended the priest behind leaked chancery tapes; the true identity of the creator of a 17th-century painting of David and Goliath; and a NJ boy with autism who was denied First Communion. Listen here:  <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/771456874&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>  

The Curious Case of Canon 1090

Feb 28, 2020 / 00:00 am

Listen to this week's episode of the podcast by clicking below, or by searching for it on your favorite podcast app! On this episode, JD, Carl, and Ed discuss an interesting canonical case involving a murder in Lesotho; the tragedy of abuse allegations against Jean Vanier; religious sisters supporting a pro-choice candidate for office; and much more. Listen now: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/768189289&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

How did Ed do as host?

Feb 21, 2020 / 00:00 am

JD and Ed discuss and debate the week’s Catholic news. This time, by popular demand, Ed is the host. Topics discussed include the Pope’s council of Cardinal advisors meeting to reorganize the Roman Curia; The McCarrick Report; Former Cardinal McCarrick’s donations to a religious order; Vatican financial scandal update; Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia retires; Cardinal Zen’s continued outspokenness about the Vatican-China deal. Games this week include “Yes or No” and “Name That 90s Church Tune.” <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/764050078&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

Married priests in the Amazon; “Querida Amazonia,” Amazonia/Amazon Price is Right; etc.

Feb 14, 2020 / 00:00 am

On this episode of the podcast, JD and Ed discuss Pope Francis’ decision not to permit married priests or female deacons in the Amazon region, and other important implications of the Pope’s recent post-synodal apostolic exhortation, “Querida Amazonia.” Along the way, they also discuss the Houston Astros, suits, Tim Tebow, Laudato Si, and much more. They also play "Amazonia/Amazon Price is Right." 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/760262314&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

Movements in the Church; the McCarrick Report; Crookston investigation; Hipster Hobbies; Etc.

Feb 7, 2020 / 00:00 am

The editors discuss movements in the Catholic Church; the continuing investigation into Bishop Michael Hoeppner of Crookston, Minnesota; the report set to come from the Vatican about Theodore McCarrick, the former Cardinal and abuser; a Nigerian seminarian who this week was kidnapped and possibly martyred; and much more. Stick around, because this may be the most game-filled episode of the podcast ever. Executive producer Kate Olivera joins for a classic round of “Greater or Lesser,” and then JD, Ed, and Kate play a round of a brand new game: “Hipster Hobby Price is Right.” You really don’t want to miss this one. Listen here or on your favorite 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/756680728&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

Kobe Bryant; Legionaries of Christ; abortion; approval for Catholic websites; etc.

Jan 30, 2020 / 00:00 am

Discussion topics this week on the podcast include: the death of a Missouri priest, Fr. Evan Harkins, by suicide; a recap of the March for Life, and President Trump’s speech at the march; Bishop Barron’s comments about introducing a stamp of approval for Catholic sites that teach the faith online; uncertainty surrounding the future of the troubled Legionaries of Christ religious order; and more. Listen here, or on your favorite 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/751771297&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

Trump at the March for Life; Catholics in Hong Kong; Philadelphia; CNA comic book heroes; etc.

Jan 23, 2020 / 00:00 am

Who will be the next bishop of Hong Kong? How will President Trump’s presence at the 2020 March for Life affect the march? Will the new archbishop of Philadelphia carry on the legacy of Archbishop Chaput? What would CNA’s editors look like on the cover of a comic book?    We dig into all these questions and more this week on the podcast— plus, the hosts play a game where they have to identify the patron saints of various countries.    Listen here:   <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/748447366&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

DiMarzio welcomes investigation, points to personal record fighting abuse

Jan 19, 2020 / 10:00 am

The Diocese of Brooklyn said that Bishop DiMarzio had done nothing wrong and had no intention of stepping aside during the Vatican-ordered enquiry into the allegation.

Cardinal Dolan conducting 'Vos estis' investigation into Brooklyn's Bishop DiMarzio

Jan 18, 2020 / 21:05 pm

Cardinal Timothy Dolan is conducting an investigation into Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, following an allegation of sexual abuse.

Benedict XVI & Card. Sarah's celibacy book; Episcopal consecration; pro-life Dems; etc.

Jan 17, 2020 / 00:00 am

This week on the podcast: controversy over a book purportedly co-written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah about priestly celibacy; a parish in Williamsburg, VA hosting an Episcopalian consecration; Rep. Dan Lipinski, a pro-life Democrat, and his chances of re-election; and more timely topics from the week’s news. Listen here or on your 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/745048915&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

CNA Editor's Desk: Condon’s Rules of Decorum

Jan 10, 2020 / 00:00 am

What can a priest do if a penitent confesses to murder? JD and Ed take this question from a friend. They also discuss McCarrick’s move from a Kansas friary; the culpability of poorly-formed bishops; and who could be the new dean of the College of Cardinals.    Alejandro Bermudez, director of ACI Group, joins for rounds of ‘Yes/No’ and ‘Greater or Lesser.’   Listen to the full episode of CNA Editor's Desk here:  <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/741547255&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>

CNA Editor's Desk: Happy [Secular] New Year!

Jan 3, 2020 / 00:00 am

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon talk about Christmas in London, the drone strike in Iran, Pope Francis slapping away the hand of a Catholic woman, the appointment of Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla as archbishop of Juba, South Sudan, and the face of the African Church. Ed plays a game of “resolution.” Don't miss the latest episode of CNA Editor's Desk! Listen here:  <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/738008596&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>

CNA Editor's Desk: The biggest news stories of 2019

Dec 20, 2019 / 00:00 am

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon are your hosts for the last episode of Editor’s Desk this year. On this episode, JD and Ed revisit their picks for the most important news stories of 2019, some of which you may have missed.    Listen here or on your 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/731109928%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-dS5MP&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

Our Lady of Guadalupe; Assisted suicide; Banning pornography; Gifts for aliens

Dec 13, 2019 / 00:00 am

This week on the podcast, Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss and debate the week’s news. Topics this week include the importance of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Archbishop Paglia's comments about assisted suicide and whether Judas is in Hell; discussions about the banning of pornography; an update on the continuing Vatican financial scandal; and much more. Later, JD asks Ed to think of the best gift to give an alien, and to assign “totems” to various things. Listen here or on your favorite 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/727374388&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

Fulton Sheen beatification delay; Buffalo bishop’s resignation; Catholics in China; Movie Saints

Dec 6, 2019 / 00:00 am

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon are your hosts on JD’s second-favorite podcast of all time. (His favorite is CNA Newsroom.) This week’s news topics include the unexpected delay of the beatification of Venerable Fulton Sheen; the other American set to be beatified soon, Brother James Miller; the resignation of the embattled Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo; continuing challenges for Catholics in China vs. the Communist Party; who are the good guys in the Star Wars series? (Spoiler alert: it’s not the Jedi); and more. This week’s game comes courtesy of a fan of the podcast: “Saints of the Silver Screen.” Listen here or on your 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/723825073&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>

CNA Editor's Desk: A Very Special Thanksgiving Canon Law Podcast

Nov 27, 2019 / 00:00 am

In this Thanksgiving canon law extravaganza, Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon take suggestions from the podcast’s fan base for interesting canon law topics to discuss and debate. Stick around for a brand-new game, "Yay or Nay," that involves predicting the future. Listen here: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/719257198&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>

The Vatican’s suspicious investments; Chinese bishop in hiding; ‘Breviary Chat;’ 'Greater or Lesser'

Nov 22, 2019 / 00:00 am

As they do every week, CNA Editors JD Flynn, Ed Condon, and Carl Bunderson talk about the week’s news and many other things besides.   Topics this week include: the reelection of Louisiana’s pro-life democratic governor; a chat about breviaries and the best breviary apps out there; an update on the two parallel financial scandals at the Vatican, including a luxury apartment development in London, and an investment by the Holy See into a bankrupt Italian hospital; a Chinese bishop in hiding for refusing to register with Chinese authorities; and more.    Stick around, because this week’s edition of “Greater or Lesser” will finally answer the question: from where do the best pork products in the world come?   Listen here:   <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/717021547&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe>