Charles Koch

After less than two decades on the air, EWTN claimed $49 million in assets and annual income from contributions of $19 million. Today, the financial support of its weathliest contributors correlates with the pro-Republican and anti-Francis editorial direction of the network's programming and news coverage.

A television outlet once devoted to expressions of Catholic conservative catechesis and apologetics has grown into a truly influential media empire, well connected to Republican politicians, the Trump White House, wealthy conservative Catholic donors and anti-Pope Francis forces. 

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: A look at Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society, resetting the way we frame and discuss the abortion issue, how to conceptualize economic policy, and the upcoming European elections.

Distinctly Catholic: Fixated on money, the American church has become dull to the Gospel for the simple reason that it is good news for the poor and we are no longer poor.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Humanae Vitae and the McCarrick scandal; a missed chance to subpoena Cardinal Dziwisz; Kiribati's present, Miami's future.

Distinctly Catholic: Amid the fundraising and festivities, the guests of honor at tonight's Cardinals Dinner should begin to address the sad fact that Catholic University is ill.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: First Amendment Defense Act; Young people moving toward pro-choice; Save the Catholic University of America website; George Mason University students file lawsuit

We say: FOCUS has big plans; it has raised its sights beyond just campus ministry. It wants to send its missionaries into parishes. This could create quite the temptation for cash-strapped dioceses, but we would argue that dioceses should resist this temptation.