Francesca Pollio Fenton

Francesca is a staff reporter for Catholic News Agency. She received her degree in Communications with an emphasis in Digital Media from the University of Colorado - Denver. She is also in charge of the social media for Catholic News Agency.

After David Smallbone’s successful music company collapses in their home country of Australia, he moves his family to Nashville, Tennessee, in the hopes of a brighter future in the movie "Unsung Hero." / Credit: Lionsgate

“Unsung Hero”: New Film Depicts How Mother’s Faith can Stand Firm against All Odds, Inspire Family

The film, which will be released in theaters on April 26, depicts the true story of the Smallbone family, two...

Maya Hawke as American writer Flannery O'Connor in the 2024 film "Wildcat." / Credit: Oscilloscope Laboratories

New Film about U.S.-born Writer Flannery O’Connor Shows "God can deliver his grace in any way"

The film depicts the life of Southern Gothic writer Flannery O’Connor and will be released in theaters on May 3.

Father Ryan Stawaisz. / Credit: Prince of Peace Catholic Church

New film tells inspiring story of young priest who left a lasting impact

“Love God’s Will” tells the inspiring story of Father Ryan Stawaisz, a young priest from Texas who touched the hearts...

Guinness World Records recognized Juan Vicente Pérez Mora as the oldest man in the world on Feb. 4, 2022, when he was 112 years old and 253 days old. / Credit: Guinness World Records

Oldest Man in the World, Who Prayed Holy Rosary Twice Daily Dead at 114

Juan Vicente Pérez Mora was awarded the oldest man in the world distinction by Guinness World Records on Feb. 4,...

Pope Francis greets a woman religious at a Mass on the World Day of Consecrated Life, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, on Feb. 2, 2024, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. / Credit: Vatican Media

This is Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of April 2024

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of April is that the dignity and worth of women be recognized throughout...

Father Augustus Tolton’s life was explored in an October 2022 episode of EWTN’s “They Might Be Saints.” / Credit: EWTN News Nightly

Catholic Diocese in U.S. Creates Boy Scouts Patch Honoring Country's First recognized Black Priest, Now Venerable

The Catholic Committee on Scouting in the Diocese of Springfield announced the Venerable Father Augustine Tolton Activity Patch.

Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist will be shown in theaters June 4, 5, and 6, 2024. / Credit: Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist

New film "Jesus Thirsts" Shows Transformative Power of the Eucharist

“Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist” will take viewers on a journey to rediscover and revive the importance of...

A priest holds palms on Palm Sunday. / Grant Whitty via Unsplash.

The Most Popular Qstions about Palm Sunday — and their Answers

Here is a list of the most popular questions about Palm Sunday and their answers.

Monstrance for adoration, stock photo. / Zolnierek/Shutterstock

There is Still Time to Receive a Plenary Indulgence During Lent

Did you know that there are four ways you can gain a plenary indulgence during Lent?

Pope Francis addresses pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square during his Sunday Angelus on Feb. 18, 2024. | Credit: Vatican Media

This is Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of March

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of March is for the martyrs of our day and witnesses to Christ.

"He Leadeth Me" Hallow Pray40 Challenge. | Credit: Hallow

Catholic Prayer App Hallow Makes History in App Store

Hallow reached the top spot on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, which was the same day its Lent Pray40 prayer challenge...

Lent 2024: Catholic Resources to Help You Grow in Your Faith

This list of Catholic resources can help you grow closer to the Lord this Lenten season.

A priest administers anointing of the sick. | Credit: Kristina Ismulyani/Shutterstock

This is Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of February

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of February is for the terminally ill.

A chalk home blessing from the feast of the Epiphany. | Credit: A.Davey via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.

How to Bless Your Home on the Feast of Epiphany 2024

The letters and numbers used in the traditional Epiphany blessing have great significance.

Pope Francis prays during his general audience address in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican on Dec. 27, 2023. | Credit: Vatican Media

This is Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of January

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January is for the gift of diversity in the Church.

Pope Francis prays during his Wednesday general audience on Nov. 15, 2023. | Credit: Vatican Media

These are Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for 2024

The monthly prayer intentions express the Holy Father’s concerns for humanity and the mission of the Catholic Church.

Catholics Can Receive a Plenary Indulgence by Praying before a Nativity Scene

From Dec. 8 until Feb. 2, Catholics will be able to receive a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity...

Everything you need to know about the Advent wreath

Advent wreaths are traditionally made from evergreen branches and have four candles, which represent the four weeks of Advent.

Pope Francis meets on April 29, 2023, with children and adults who are visually impaired and have other disabilities at a Catholic institute in Budapest, Hungary, dedicated to Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann. | Credit: Vatican Media

This is Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for the Month of December

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of December is for people with disabilities.

Pope Francis greets pilgrims at his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Oct. 18, 2023. | Credit: Vatican Media

Seven Ways to Participate in Day of Prayer and Fasting Called for by Pope Francis

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Holy Land, Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting...