Louisiana

The Latest

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Louisiana diocese set to file for bankruptcy, negotiate settlement with abuse victims

Oct 10, 2024

By Daniel Payne

In 2019 then-Alexandria Bishop David Talley released a list of 27 priests who had served in the diocese and who... Read more

Signage is strewn across the intersection after Hurricane Francine swept through the area on Sept. 11, 2024, in Houma, Louisiana.

Catholic Charities seeks volunteers in Louisiana as Hurricane Francine floods the region

Sep 12, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

Hurricane Francine made landfall in southern Louisiana on Sept. 11 as a Category 2 storm, bringing 100 mph winds in... Read more

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Louisiana treasurer urges ban on Bank of America over alleged religious discrimination

Aug 16, 2024

By Daniel Payne

The bank is disputing what it calls “factually incorrect” claims, pointing to what it says are its tens of thousands... Read more

The Fête-Dieu du Teche, an annual procession in the bayou organized by the Community of Jesus Crucified in 2023. This boat carries a state of the Assumption, following a boat carrying the Blessed Sacrament.

‘One of a kind’ Eucharistic boat procession set to roll down Mississippi River 

Aug 6, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

A procession of house, tug, and steamboats is set to launch in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Aug. 14 and land... Read more

A general view of the Louisiana State Capitol on April 17, 2020, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Residents sue Louisiana to block state’s inclusion of Ten Commandments in schools

Jun 26, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

The coalition filed the lawsuit against members of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Read more

A pro-abortion activist displays abortion pills as she counter-protests during an anti-abortion demonstration on March 25, 2023, in New York City.

Pro-life roundup: Louisiana passes abortion fraud bill, California invites abortionists from Arizona

May 24, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

A look at major abortion-related developments that took place in the states this week. Read more

Louisiana legislators are sponsoring legislation to support women in crisis pregnancies by setting aside millions in funding for pregnancy resource centers and other social services.

Pro-life Democrats champion government aid to pregnancy resource centers in Louisiana

Apr 16, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

The program would increase the total spending on the Alternatives to Abortion program from $1 million this cycle to between... Read more

Father Simon-Peter Engurait.

Ugandan priest named diocesan administrator of Louisiana diocese following death of bishop

Jan 26, 2024

By CNA Staff

Father Simon-Peter Engurait has been chosen as diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana. Read more

Bishop Mario Dorsonville was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana on Feb. 1, 2023. He passed away Jan. 19, 2024, due to “complications arising from recent health problems,” the diocese said. He was 63 years old.

Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana dies unexpectedly at 63 

Jan 20, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

Bishop Mario Dorsonville was bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for less than a year, having been appointed as bishop... Read more

Newly elected Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, speaks in the House chamber after his election at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 25, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Mike Johnson elected Speaker of the House

Oct 25, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

Rep. Mike Johnson, a 51-year-old Louisiana Republican, was elected Speaker of the House on Wednesday afternoon in a 220-209 vote. Read more

Father Mark Beard, pastor of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite City, Louisiana, died in a car accident Aug. 2, 2023.

Baton Rouge priest killed in a car crash remembered for his holiness, passion for truth

Aug 8, 2023

By Jonah McKeown

Father Mark Beard, who died Aug. 2, became a priest later in life after a successful career and was known... Read more

The Louisiana Legislature on July 18, 2023, overrode the Democratic governor's veto of legislation banning transgender surgeries and treatments for minors.

Louisiana lawmakers override veto, will ban sex changes for kids

Jul 20, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

Rep. Gabe Firment, the primary sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement that the override is a “huge win”... Read more

Father Patrick Wattigny pleaded guilty July 12, 2023, to two child molestation charges.

New Orleans priest pleads guilty to two child molestation charges

Jul 17, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

Father Patrick Wattigny, 55, a former pastor and chaplain in Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced to five years in prison. Read more

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Utah’s bill protecting minors prompts porn site to block access to entire state 

May 2, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

A Utah bill that is designed to prevent minors from accessing pornography online is set to go into effect on... Read more

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Pilot who offered women flights to abortion-friendly states fired from job teaching at Catholic seminary

Apr 24, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

A professor at a Catholic seminary in Louisiana lost his job after it was discovered that he had gone on... Read more

Death row in an American prison.

Louisiana governor calls for end to death penalty — and legalizing some abortions

Apr 12, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, citing “pro-life values,” has called on lawmakers to end the state’s death penalty in the... Read more

Father Otis Young, the former pastor at St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington, Louisiana, was killed in a double homicide less than a year after his retirement.

Louisiana priest confirmed as victim in double homicide, archbishop offers prayers

Nov 30, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

Father Otis Young, 71, who retired in July, was pastor for approximately 10 years at St. Peter Catholic Church in... Read more

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Louisiana Catholic church community ‘rocked’ by reports of double homicide

Nov 28, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

The news comes amid an unconfirmed report that the victims were the parish’s former pastor and a former employee. Read more

Gia, an 8-month-old Bernedoodle, visits Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Baton Rouge twice a week with a group of Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

Meet the therapy dog trained by Mercedarian sisters to help the students they serve

Sep 25, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Students at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are visited twice a week by Gia, an 8-month-old... Read more

Pro-lifers rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., Dec. 1, 2021.

Each of Louisiana’s abortion clinics are leaving the state

Aug 17, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

The three abortion clinics in Louisiana are leaving the state following the state’s Supreme Court Aug. 12 decision that an... Read more