Pope Leo XIV and other Church and public figures congratulated EWTN on its 25th anniversary in German-speaking countries. In a telegram to Program Director Martin Rothweiler, the Pope praised EWTN as an “important and reliable companion in the life of faith.” He highlighted the network’s global Church perspective—especially through broadcasts from Rome—as a source of unity for the faithful.
The Pope’s Telegram
The telegram was read at the end of a thanksgiving Mass in Cologne Cathedral on Saturday evening, following a ceremony at Cologne’s Maternushaus that looked back on EWTN’s 25-year history and explored current issues of faith. Among those sending greetings were Cardinal Kurt Koch, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Bishops Stefan Oster and Bertram Meier, and entertainer Harald Schmidt, who once shared an office building with EWTN.
Celebration with Church and Society Leaders
About 350 guests attended the afternoon event at the Maternushaus, broadcast live on EWTN and online. Themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” in reference to the Holy Year of Hope 2025, the celebration featured music by the Luminus Duo—pianist Sergey Korolev and flautist Asia Safikhanova.
Martin Rothweiler, who founded EWTN Germany in 2000 and has led it ever since, thanked supporters who made the donation-funded network possible. “For 25 years, our mission has been to bring Christ to people through the media,” he said, expressing gratitude for those who find companionship and faith through EWTN.
Panels reflected on the network’s beginnings and on evangelization in today’s world. Speakers included Sister Anna Mirijam Kaschner of the Nordic Bishops’ Conference, Alexandra Linder of the Federal Association for the Right to Life, and Thomas Draxler of the “Jesus Bikers,” who presented Pope Leo XIV with a white motorcycle to be auctioned for charity in 2025.
Later discussions explored evangelization initiatives and Catholic media credibility in the digital age, featuring Sister Theresia Mende (Neuland-Kurs), Andreas Sauter (Elijah 21), Pastor Winfried Abel, Franziska Harter (Die Tagespost), Peter Sonneborn (Radio Horeb), and media ethicist Riccardo Wagner.
Background
EWTN was founded in the U.S. in 1981 by Mother Angelica and launched its 24-hour German-language channel in 2000. Today it is the world’s largest Catholic media network, operating TV and radio channels and news agencies, including the German-language CNA Deutsch.
Originally published on CNA Deutsch and has been translated and adapted for EWTN Vatican.
