George Weigel

George Weigel, a Catholic American author, was born on April 17, 1951. He has written many books and articles, covering topics such as St. John Paul II, Catholicism in America, and cultural issues. Some of his works include, Witness to Hope: The Biography of St. John Paul II and most recently, Not Forgotten: Elegies For, and Reminiscences Of, a Diverse Cast of Characters, Most of Them Admirable, published in 2021. He now is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington D.C.

The Latest

George Weigel at the Angelicum in Rome, May 18, 2022.

Pontifical Academy for Life is betraying its founder, JPII biographer George Weigel says

May 22, 2024

By Walter Sánchez Silva

George Weigel, biographer of St. John Paul II, lamented that the Pontifical Academy for Life has betrayed Dr. Jérôme Lejeune,... Read more

Benedict XVI holds his final general audience, Feb. 27, 2013.

Benedict XVI: thinker, preacher, saint? Scholars and former students discuss legacy

Jan 1, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

Some scholars and former students of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI raised the prospect of the late pontiff’s canonization and recognition... Read more

St. John Paul II (1920-2005).

George Weigel on what the Vatican can learn from JPII’s diplomacy with Russia

May 19, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The papal biographer said the Vatican ought to realize that ‘appeasement of communist regimes never works.’ Read more

George Weigel.

George Weigel: Pope Francis’ Motu Proprio ‘unnecessary’ and ‘cruel’

Jul 21, 2021

In an essay published on First Things on Wednesday, July 21st, Pope John Paul II biographer described Pope Francis Motu... Read more

Pope John Paul II in 1996.

George Weigel lauds ‘thoroughly lovable’ John Paul II 101 years after saint’s birth

May 18, 2021

The Polish pope was born in Wadowice, Poland, on May 18, 1920. Read more

Cardinal Blase Cupich.

George Weigel: Cardinal Cupich’s criticisms of Archbishop Gomez are baseless

Jan 22, 2021

Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S. bishops' conference, showed courage in releasing a statement on the day of President... Read more

George Weigel.

George Weigel praises Courage apostolate for fidelity, heroic witness

Nov 13, 2020

Catholic author George Weigel this week praised the heroic witness displayed by members of Courage, an apostolate that ministers to... Read more

Theodore McCarrick, at the North American College April 5, 2005, ahead of a papal conclave after the death of John Paul II.

JPII biographer says 'pathological' McCarrick 'lied to’ the pope

Nov 10, 2020

By Ed Condon

George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and a biographer of St. John Paul II, told... Read more

Cardinal Timothy Dolan attends Columbus Day parade in New York City.

Criticism of Cardinal Dolan letter 'silly,' Weigel publisher says

Jul 14, 2020

By JD Flynn

The publisher of a new book by papal biographer George Weigel said Tuesday that it sent Weigel’s latest text to... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his Angelus address at the Vatican, June 6, 2021.

George Weigel: ‘Catholic lite’ and Vatican finances will top next pope’s agenda

Jun 23, 2020

By Christine Rousselle

Evangelizing countries where the faith has been watered down and resolving the ongoing financial crisis in the Vatican are challenges... Read more

Pope John Paul II celebrates the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception in Rome, December 08, 2004.

How St. John Paul II 'bent the course of history'

May 18, 2020

By Christine Rousselle

Papal biographer George Weigel said that St. John Paul II demonstrated “the power of religious and moral conviction to bend... Read more

St. Mary's Basilica on Krakow's Main Square.

A tour of Saint John Paul II's Poland

Oct 28, 2015

By Kate Veik

St. John Paul II had just celebrated the closing Mass of his historic trip to his home country of Poland... Read more

Roman Pilgrimage by George Weigel.

Ancient Lenten pilgrimage comes to life through new book

Mar 4, 2014

Author and scholar George Weigel says his newly-released book offers readers the opportunity experience a centuries-old Lenten practice from Rome... Read more

WWI Battle of the Hindenburg Line.

Materialism, 'rejection' of Christianity factors in World War I

Feb 7, 2014

By Adelaide Mena

Scholar and author George Weigel proposed that World War I was caused and prolonged not only by political struggles and... Read more

George Weigel receives the Bl John Paul II Award for the New Evangelization, Oct. 22, 2013.

George Weigel awarded for works on Blessed John Paul II

Oct 25, 2013

By Adelaide Mena

George Weigel was honored Oct. 22 with the Blessed John Paul II Award for the New Evangelization, for his work... Read more