Skip to content

Pope Leo XIV Congratulates EWTN Germany on 25 Years

At the celebration marking EWTN’s 25th anniversary in German-speaking countries, Program Director Martin Rothweiler (right) welcomed several distinguished guests, including Thomas Draxler, founder of the Christian motorcycle group Jesus Bikers (second from left), member Claus Dempewolf (third from left), and EWTN Vatican correspondent Rudolf Gehrig (left).
At the celebration marking EWTN’s 25th anniversary in German-speaking countries, Program Director Martin Rothweiler (right) welcomed several distinguished guests, including Thomas Draxler, founder of the Christian motorcycle group Jesus Bikers (second from left), member Claus Dempewolf (third from left), and EWTN Vatican correspondent Rudolf Gehrig (left).

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.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Leo XIV to give 500-euro ‘conclave bonus’ to 5,000 Vatican workers

Pope Leo XIV has reinstated the “conclave bonus” given to Vatican employees for their service during the sede vacante period.

World Youth Day 2023 Recap: A Message of Hope

Relive the highlights of World Youth Day 2023 with Pope Francis. In his final Mass at Lisbon’s Tejo

St. Augustine’s impact on the first 3 months of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate

August 8th marked three months since Pope Leo XIV first appeared on the central balcony of the Vatican basilica after being elected the successor of St. Peter.

Pope Francis in Belgium: ‘Crisis of faith’ in the West requires a return to the Gospel

A “crisis of faith” in the West requires a return to the Gospel, Pope Francis told Belgian bishops on Saturday morning at the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels.

French bishops vote to open sainthood cause of Henri de Lubac

French bishops have voted to open the sainthood cause of 20th-century theologian Henri de Lubac. The French bishops’

Italian foundation aims to preserve and share Catholic audiovisual heritage

Father Dario E. Viganò, president of the MAC Foundation, shares about the foundation in a May 2, 2023, presentation at the Vatican’ Apostolic Library

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTN.it