Just a few years ago, under the Pope Francis regime, EWTN was called out and threatened by the Vatican! Look it up!
I saw ETWN’s coverage of the papal election and I thought that Maria Alvarado did a wonderful job, was quite articulate and impressive.
But ETWN all the way from Hanceville, Alabama’s EWTN founded by an ultra traditional nun, Mother Angelica, has one of it people a new Prefect and a laywomen to boot. Mother Angelica must be laughing in heaven!
Pope Leo XIV appoints lay woman Prefect of Dicastery for Communication
Currently President and COO of EWTN News, Maria Montserrat Alvarado will succeed Paolo Ruffini in November, continuing the path of reform and renewal initiated by Pope Francis.
25 comments:
Leo tremendously carrying on the tremendous legacy of his predecessor by appointing the former leader of an organization that his predecessor made the tremendous proclamation was doing “the work of Satan” for having the tremendous audacity to make vile criticisms of his governance.
Am I doing this right?
Nick
I asked AI if Pope Francis criticized ETWN. Here’s its answer:
Yes, Pope Francis has criticized EWTN. He issued a thinly veiled criticism of the network, suggesting that while he may be open to scrutiny, the church itself should not be subjected to attacks, particularly from influential media outlets like EWTN
. This criticism aligns with his broader concerns about how certain Catholic media portray his papacy and the church's teachings
.
In various statements, he has pointed out that EWTN and similar outlets have been notably critical of his leadership, which he described as harmful to the unity of the church
And this from the Pillar just now:
In a Q&A session with Slovak Jesuits in 2021, Pope Francis said that “There is, for example, a large Catholic television channel that has no hesitation in continually speaking ill of the pope.”
“I personally deserve attacks and insults because I am a sinner, but the Church does not deserve them. They are the work of the devil,” a comment that was largely interpreted to be directed at EWTN, which had given space to several voices critical of Francis.
America Magazine also reported that on a March 2025 papal trip to Baghdad, the pope told EWTN’s reporter publicly that the network “should stop speaking badly about me.”
NCR hasn’t carried this news. They must be stunned as is America Magazine!
Father McDonald said..."I saw ETWN’s coverage of the papal election and I thought that Maria Alvarado did a wonderful job, was quite articulate and impressive."
That is my impression as well.
I am confident that Pope Leo XIV's appointment in question will prove successful in ways that His Holiness has envisioned.
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Maria Alvarado's tremendous praise of Pope Francis — that he was a holy man as well as outstanding Pope — had proved uplifting to me.
Maria Alvarado has also spoken in regard to holy Pope Leo XIV similarly.
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Religious, as well as secular news agencies, have noted that via her appointment in question, Pope Leo XIV has demonstrated his wonderful continuity with Pope Francis.
AI Overview has summed things up neatly:
"Continuity of Pope Francis's Reforms
"Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat "Montse" Alvarado as the new prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, continuing a major trajectory of reform and the inclusion of women in Church leadership initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
"With the appointment of Alvarado, Pope Leo XIV continues the path of reform and renewal of the Roman Curia initiated by Pope Francis, which has seen lay faithful, men and women, entrusted with positions of leadership and responsibility in the service of the universal Church."
May God grant holy success to Maria Alvarado.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Sorry, MT, i told your joke three and a half hours before you did.
Nick
You do just fine, Nick. Oh those heady days when everything was tremendous and dynamic! Unfortunately, there are more than a few of those double-knit dinosaurs still around.
AI Overview:
"Yes, the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) frequently featured commentary and recurring guests who criticized Pope Francis during his pontificate."
I know that the above had proved true in regard to Raymond Arroyo and his group. Said folks have also treated Pope Leo XIV similarly.
But does EWTN-related negativity toward Popes Leo XIV, as well as Francis, reflect upon Maria Alvarado?
AI Overview:
"Maria Montserrat "Montse" Alvarado does not have a personal history of publishing negativity toward Pope Francis."
"No, Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado does not have a history of negativity toward Pope Leo XIV. "
I will stand corrected, but I do not attribute EWTN's negativity toward Popes Leo XIV, as well as Francis, to Maria Alvarado.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
-- Pope Francis Did NOT Say EWTN = “Work of the Devil”
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2021/09/pope-francis-did-not-say-ewtn-work-of-the-devil.html
The Tablet also supported the above fact-check. The Tablet:
"The Pope was careful to distinguish between attacks on him personally and the office of the papacy and the Church in general.
"Nor was he talking about EWTN as a whole, but parts of its coverage.
"In his reference to the devil the Pope was bringing out the original meaning of the Greek word diabolos, which can be translated as “to divide”."
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AI Overview:
"During Pope Francis's pontificate, EWTN frequently featured conservative critics who openly challenged his papacy.
"The network’s English-language programming, particularly shows like The World Over hosted by Raymond Arroyo, became a prominent platform for figures questioning the pontiff's teachings, reform agenda, and appointments."
"Church observers note that Maria Alvarado herself was never considered part of the aggressive anti-Francis wing of Catholic media.
Close colleagues reported that she "loved Pope Francis" and worked diligently within EWTN to help the network overcome its hostile, contradictory stances toward the Vatican."
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It is undeniable that certain folks at EWTN spewed venom at Pope Francis. Said folks at EWTN had worked to divide the Church.
Nevertheless, Pope Francis never claimed that EWTN as a whole had been the work of the Devil.
To her credit, Maria Alvarado, who loved and respected Pope Francis, had distanced herself from folks at EWTN who had worked to divide the Church.
Rather than having joined EWTN's venom-spewing, anti-Pope Francis contingent, Maria Alvarado had demonstrated love and obedience to Pope Francis.
Maria Alvarado also has refused to join EWTN folks, such as Raymond Arroyo and his group, who trafficked in anti-Pope Leo XIV negativity.
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In regard to two years following the fake news story that he had denounced EWTN as "the work of the Devil":
Maria Alvarado noted that Pope Francis' had praised and blessed EWTN's work that resulted in the "Faith of Our Fathers," movie.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Am I allowed to be underwhelmed ?
From the NCR:
Leo's move to appoint Alvarado comes about five years after his predecessor seemed to take aim at EWTN's coverage of the church and his papacy. Though Francis did not cite EWTN by name, it was widely perceived he was referring to the American TV network when he critiqued a television channel "that has no hesitation in continually speaking ill of the pope" for being "the work of the devil." At the time, Alvarado was an anchor at EWTN, a post she held from 2021-2024.
During that time, a Spanish bishop banned EWTN from his diocesan television station just two days after his installation in order to "favor the diocese's communion with the Successor of Peter." Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, then bishop of San Diego, told Spanish magazine Vida Nueva soon after that he would not broadcast EWTN on his diocesan media either and that the network worried him "because it represents a giant of economic and cultural power connected to a religious viewpoint that is fundamentally critical of the pope."
"Though Francis did not cite EWTN by name, it was widely perceived he was referring to the American TV network..."
Pope Francis did not name EWTN...and he most certainly did not come even close to having declared that EWTN equaled the work of the Devil.
As had been rampant throughout his Pontificate, various folks would claim that Pope Francis had said "X" when such had not been the case.
But that which is undeniable is that EWTN programs hosted by Raymond Arroyo had attacked and misrepresented Pope Francis repeatedly.
Perhaps the lowest point in regard to the above came when EWTN/Raymond Arroyo had granted airtime to discredited Archbishop Viganò. The Archbishop, in turn, attacked Pope Francis.
But EWTN/Raymond Arroyo had attempted the following:
AI Overview:
"The November 12, 2020 interview between Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and Raymond Arroyo — featuring the famous quote "Bergoglio is to the deep church as Biden is to the deep state" — was altered and partially scrubbed by EWTN..."
It was not surprising that to attempt to discredit Pope Francis, via such an embarrassing low, EWTN/Raymond Arroyo had turned to Archbishop Viganò.
In turn, Archbishop Carlo Viganò had served only to embarrass himself, as well as EWTN/Raymond Arroyo.
That moment for Archbishop Carlo Viganò, and EWTN/Raymond Arroyo, had served as the work of the Devil.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Now, the most disturbing thing in regard to EWTN, as least in regard to Raymond Arroyo's presence at said network, is the negative treatment rendered unto Pope Leo XIV.
AI Overview:
"Yes, Raymond Arroyo and his EWTN program guests have criticized Pope Leo XIV, shifting their commentary from initial praise to direct opposition over specific Vatican policies and teachings.
"While Arroyo and his recurring panel on The Papal Posse (featuring Robert Royal and Father Gerald Murray) initially welcomed the first American pope, they have since levied multiple direct criticisms against his decisions."
Pax.
Mark Thomas
MT, Edison would admire the vigor and speed of your spin, but I think the admirers end there. Maytag has nothing on you!
Nobody with a scintilla of intellectual honesty can think the Francis was referring to a network other than EWTN. Likewise, it is sloppy and dishonest to insinuate that anyone here claimed he “equaled” EWTN with the work of the devil; just that they were described doing the devil’s work. Likewise, the Holy Holy Holy Tremendousness said that the “large Catholic television channel” spoke ill of him “continually.” Continually… continually. Unless they had Arroyo on 24/7 or even daily… well, you know.
This “fake news story” (lol, more jokes!) was published in America Magazine, of all places. You’re beyond parody, at this point. I shouldn’t have attempted it in my first comment.
And you well know that it is not and has never been Catholic teaching that popes are above criticism.
Take over the comments all you want, but your dishonest spin is utterly unconvincing.
Nick
Pope Francis did not cite EWTN by name. However, his comments in regard to the unidentified "large Catholic television channel," in question applied without question to EWTN's repeated appalling attacks, at least via Raymond Arroyo's programs, against Pope Francis' Magisterium.
Unfortunately, it is holy Pope Leo XIV's turn to endure that which holy Pope Francis had endured in regard to the above.
That was evident in last week's EWTN program that featured Raymond Arroyo, Father Murray, as well as Robert Royal, having spewed negativity at various teachings contained with Pope Leo XIV's Encyclical.
Fortunately, Maria Alvarado rejected her former "large Catholic television channel's," negativity that certain folks at said channel spewed at Popes Francis and Leo XIV.
An attack against the Pope's Magisterium is without question the type of division that would please the Devil.
It is a shame that Raymond Arroyo's and his group's right-wing loyalties have fueled their negative assessments of Pope Leo XIV's God-given role to teach, govern, and sanctify us.
If Pope Francis had directed his "large Catholic television channel" comment at EWTN, then he certainly had aimed in the right direction.
Again, it is now Pope Leo XIV's turn.
Anyway, AI Overview summed it well via the following in regard to a certain large Catholic television channel:
"While Arroyo and his recurring panel on The Papal Posse (featuring Robert Royal and Father Gerald Murray) initially welcomed the first American pope, they have since levied multiple direct criticisms against his decisions."
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Vatican reporters who covered Pope Francis all know that Pope Francis meant EWTN and most were glad that he did so! But thank you for supporting the point of my post! Pope Leo loves EWTN and admires strong women like Mother Angelica and their orthodoxy. During Francis’ regime the orthodox and traditional way felt no love from him. Pope Leo is reversing that is a seismic way! Thanks for pointing out how EWTN reported on Francis and Pope Leo doesn’t care about that. He loves orthodoxy!
Father McDonald said..."Vatican reporters who covered Pope Francis all know that Pope Francis meant EWTN..."
Fine. Great.
I had stated accurately that Pope Francis had neither identified EWTN — he employed the phrase "large Catholic television channel" — nor insisted that EWTN equated to the Devil.
If anything, as Maria Alvarado has noted, Pope Francis had blessed EWTN in regard to its work that had resulted in the "Faith of Our Fathers" production.
But if Pope Francis' "large Catholic television channel" comment had been directed at EWTN, then fine.
It is undeniable that that which Pope Francis had delineated in regard to the unidentified "large Catholic television channel" had fit EWTN — at least in regard to Raymond Arroyo's programs.
Raymond Arroyo and his group had, time and again, trafficked in negativity against Pope Francis' Magisterium.
Again, unfortunately, Pope Leo XIV's Magisterium has received similar treatment.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Father McDonald said..."During Francis’ regime the orthodox and traditional way felt no love from him."
Really?
Father, you must have missed the love and praise that Pope Francis had received, for example, from the FSSP, as well as ICK, who insisted that he had displayed warmth and support to said groups.
Had you missed Pope Francis' warm encounter with Bishop Rifan? New Liturgical Movement published photos of the two men together, which NLM had described as "wonderful images."
Father, I guessed that you missed the SSPX's acknowledgements in regard to the tremendous kindness and support that Pope Francis, even from his days in Argentina, had rendered unto the Society.
Father, has the following praise for Pope Francis from the Ordinariates escaped you?
"He (Pope Francis) reaffirmed the “real permanence and stability” of the Ordinariate within the Catholic Church, and added..."Pope Francis understands the pilgrim character of our communities and will be a wise and caring pastor to us,” Msgr. Steenson said.
Ordinariate Bishop Steven Lopes:
"First, I found Pope Francis to be very well informed indeed about who we are and what the Ordinariate’s particular mission is.
"Second, I have found him always to be very, very encouraging.
"It is Pope Francis who expanded a section of Anglicanorum coetibus to underscore our evangelizing mission in the Church.
"It is he who approved our Missal and appointed me Bishop, thereby making ever more concrete the vision of Pope Benedict.
"And Pope Francis still signs off on each and every petition for a dispensation from clerical celibacy in favor of our married clergy candidates.
"We have been tremendously blessed by Pope Francis’ care and concern..."
Pax.
Mark Thomas
Not disputing that EWTN had an antipathy for Francis and of course Pope Francis, thinned skin, resented it. THE MSIN POINT IS THAT POPE LEO KNEW ALL THIS FIRST HAND AND CHOSE AN EWTN EXEC FOR THE NEW PREFECT! That is a wonderful reversal of Francis!
Not disputing that EWTN had an antipathy for Francis and of course Pope Francis, thinned skin, resented it. THE MSIN POINT IS THAT POPE LEO KNEW ALL THIS FIRST HAND AND CHOSE AN EWTN EXEC FOR THE NEW PREFECT! That is a wonderful reversal of Francis!
Father McDonald said..."...POPE LEO KNEW ALL THIS FIRST HAND AND CHOSE AN EWTN EXEC FOR THE NEW PREFECT! That is a wonderful reversal of Francis!"
Father, what on earth in regard to the above has Pope Leo XIV reversed?
As Maria Alvarado has noted, Pope Francis had actually imparted his blessing and support to EWTN...and that occurred following the fake news that Pope Francis had equated EWTN to the Devil.
There are news reports that have noted that the promotion of Maria Alvarado "was “a smart move,” as it has the potential to influence the global network and create a new opportunity for it to reimagine its responsibility and communicate his message to a worldwide audience."
"Indeed, it is known that since 2023, Ms. Alvarado has worked hard to get this important network to overcome its contradictory positions toward the Vatican."
Pax.
Mark Thomas
MT, stop being contrarian. This is a Pillar reporter and he knows:
Alvarado’s appointment could mark a significant shift in the Vatican’s perception of the EWTN media network itself.
In a Q&A session with Slovak Jesuits in 2021, Pope Francis said that “There is, for example, a large Catholic television channel that has no hesitation in continually speaking ill of the pope.”
“I personally deserve attacks and insults because I am a sinner, but the Church does not deserve them. They are the work of the devil,” a comment that was largely interpreted to be directed at EWTN, which had given space to several voices critical of Francis.
America Magazine also reported that on a March 2021 papal trip to Baghdad, the pope told EWTN’s reporter publicly that the network “should stop speaking badly about me.”
“MT, stop being contrarian.“
I await the heat death of the universe coming first.
Nick
Father, I am unable to make sense of the notion that Pope Leo XIV had reversed Pope Francis in regard to His Holiness having promoted Maria Alvarado to Rome.
Had one wished to argue that Pope Leo XIV had engaged in "a wonderful reversal of Francis!," (your words), then Raymond Arroyo, Father Murray, or Robert Royal, each a fierce EWTN-related critic of Pope Francis, would have been promoted to Rome.
Maria Alvarado, via her demonstrable love for, and obedience to, Pope Francis, had distanced herself from her EWTN colleagues who had trafficked in hostility toward Pope Francis.
Father McDonald, you declared that "EWTN had an antipathy for Francis."
Therefore, how on earth has the tapping of a prominent EWTN on-air personality, Maria Alvarado, who has rejected her network's "antipathy" toward Pope Francis, constituted a reversal by Pope Leo XIV?
If anything, the superior argument is that Pope Leo XIV has, if you will "reversed" EWTN — he has just sent EWTN a message — in that he has rewarded Maria Alvarado, EWTN's prominent Pope Francis supporter.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
MT you are either extremely naive or, as I think, completely contrarian. This article from SILIRI non possum will help you. It is long, but the part about ETWN and the skullduggery during Pope Francis’ time and his communications Dicastery is telling:
https://silerenonpossum.com/en/la-cricca-di-tornielli-demonizzava-ewtn-oggi-leone-xiv-la-mette-sopra-di-lui/
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