Top American Catholic Talk Show Host/Journalist and Italy Expert Available for Comment
Detroit, MI, March 4, 2025 — After two episodes Monday of what the Vatican describes as “acute respiratory insufficiency,” Pope Francis remains hospitalized with his condition listed as guarded. Catholic journalist, syndicated talk show host, and part-time Italy resident Teresa Tomeo, says services in Rome and around the world are going to be very different for Catholics as Lent begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday.
“As Lent begins, Catholics around the world always look forward to following the Pope’s activities as he welcomes the faithful to journey along with him for this important penitential season in the Church. They embrace his remarks along with the prayers he offers, especially on Ash Wednesday.”
“This year however, Lent looks and feels much different as it is the faithful that are lifting up the Pope as he continues to struggle with health issues,” Tomeo said. “His continued hospitalization means he will not be part of the traditional Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Sabina’s in Rome. Nor will any of his messages be given by the Pope himself.”
“In this Jubilee Year of Hope,” Tomeo added, “Catholics however, are doing their best to follow Francis’ example, and remain hopeful that continued rest will lead to a full recovery and his participation in the many powerful events for Holy Week and Easter.”
Having served as Vatican speaker and International Delegate in Rome, half-time Italy resident, and leading Catholic Syndicated Morning Talk Show Host in America for EWTN‘s Global Catholic Radio Network for over 20 years, airing on 600+ radio stations nationwide every weekday, Tomeo has her finger on the pulse in terms of the Catholic Church, it’s leaders, it’s culture and especially the perspective from the pews. In addition to receiving countless emails from faithful Catholics each month, Tomeo also interviewed numerous cardinals, bishops, priests, and lay people regarding the life and legacy of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis.
Under Pope Benedict’s reign as pontiff, Tomeo was one of a select group of international delegates invited to the Vatican Women’s Congress in Rome, in 2008. Tomeo also spoke at the Vatican conference “The Way Family is Perceived in Society,” presented by the Pontifical Council for the Family in 2013.
Teresa Tomeo has authored more than 12 books, including two about Italy. Her latest, Italy’s Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces, Fascinating Places, and Destinations off the Beaten Path (EWTN Publishing) was released in January 2025. After two decades and over 60 trips to Italy, Teresa founded T’s Italy, an Italy Travel Consultation Company.
For Media Inquiries Contact:
Gail Coniglio
Teresa Tomeo Communications, LLC
Phone: (586) 585-8304, (586) 777-2691
Email: media@teresatomeo.com
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