It was a proud moment for Catholic journalism as the 2025 Catholic Media Association Awards unfolded in Phoenix, Arizona.
The EWTN News family came away with 27 awards, celebrating the outstanding work of its three major platforms: Catholic News Agency (CNA), the National Catholic Register, and ChurchPop.
From powerful commentary to in-depth reporting, their work clearly resonated with judges — and readers.
EWTN’s CEO Brings Home the Gold Again
For the second year in a row, Michael Warsaw, EWTN’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, claimed a top prize for his personal column “A Note From the Publisher.”
His writing was singled out in the “Best Regular Column — General Commentary” category.
One judge even praised his work for being “exceptional, frank, and forthright,” noting that Warsaw’s voice stands out for its honesty and directness.
National Catholic Register Named Best Newspaper
When it came to the big honors, the National Catholic Register stole the spotlight, being named the best Catholic newspaper of the year once again.
According to a CMA judge, the paper offers “something for every reader,” a sentiment that reflects the Register’s consistent ability to serve both devoted followers and new readers alike.
CNA’s Fertility Coverage Strikes a Powerful Note
Catholic News Agency earned high praise for its thoughtful reporting on in vitro fertilization.
Journalists Tyler Arnold and Peter Pinedo took first place for “Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing — National Newspaper or Wire Service.”
The judges highlighted how their work gave readers a clear understanding of the science behind IVF and explored it through a Catholic lens — an important topic handled with both insight and care.
Trump Assassination Attempt Story Wins Top News Writing Award
CNA’s Editor-in-Chief, Ken Oliver-Méndez, also earned a top award for “Best News Writing One Shot — National Event.”
His standout story focused on the spiritual atmosphere at the Republican National Convention following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Judges applauded the article for its “smart writing” and “good insights” during a tense moment in national politics.
A Survivor’s Story From Israel Grips Judges
International reporting was another strong suit for CNA.
Marinella Bandini won first place for her “gripping, firsthand account” of a Catholic woman who survived the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Her piece earned the top spot in the “Best News Writing One Shot — International Event” category, bringing global Catholic stories into focus in a deeply personal and emotional way.
Strong Coverage on Global Crisis and Religious Freedom
The Register also made waves with its impactful coverage of major international issues.
Articles by Solène Tadié, Alberto Fernández, and Michele Chabin were honored with first place in “Best Coverage — Disaster or Crisis,” focusing on the complex and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the paper also came out on top in the “Best Coverage — Religious Liberty Issues” category.
The award recognized work by Fernández, Andrea Picciotti-Bayer, and Jonathan Liedl for their deep dive into how religious freedom is being challenged today.
Judges noted the team’s ability to present “diverse perspectives” in a fair and balanced way.
A Celebration of Catholic Storytelling
Altogether, these awards reflect not just the talent of individual journalists, but also the broader mission of Catholic media to inform, inspire, and challenge readers.
Whether through hard-hitting analysis, inspiring personal stories, or columns that speak from the heart, EWTN’s media platforms are clearly making a lasting impact — one article at a time.
