Mark Irons travels the country - from St. Augustine, Florida to Ellis Island - to hear how Catholicism is part of America's rich history, as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary this July 4th weekend. University of Notre Dame's Kathleen Sprows Cummings and Christendom College's Christopher Shannon examine the history of anti-Catholic prejudice in America, whether tensions between Catholicism and patriotism still exist, and why this is a pivotal moment for the U.S. Church—from the anticipated beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen to the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope. Paul Hunker, a former counsel for ICE who now represents immigrants in private practice, offers a Catholic legal perspective on the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship decision. Drawing on his experience representing both the federal government and immigrants, he explains what the ruling means for immigration law and the national debate. Roselle Reyes joins up with the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as it makes its way up to its northern-most point of Maine, a state that today is seen as one of the least religious in the nation. Archbishop Nelson Pérez previews the conclusion of the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Philadelphia this Fourth of July weekend. The celebration includes Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, a two-mile Eucharistic procession to the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, and a special video message from Pope Leo XIV.

00:00 — Opening: America’s 250th anniversary and Catholic perspective
01:16 — Ferris wheel reflections on faith and freedom
03:04 — National Archives and the Declaration of Independence
04:02 — Catholicism’s beginnings in St. Augustine
05:07 — Immigration, Ellis Island, and Catholic identity
06:28 — Pope Leo XIV and national pride
07:06 — Can one be fully American and fully Catholic?
11:36 — American Catholic saints and patriotism
13:15 — Catholicism and politics, from Al Smith to JFK
15:07 — The first U.S.-born pope and what it means
17:06 — Catholicism in 2026: optimism and caution
19:43 — Supreme Court rulings: birthright citizenship and more
22:49 — Immigration law, due process, and Catholic teaching
30:41 — Women’s sports, parental rights, and court decisions
33:06 — Week in review: Venezuela, Iran, and global headlines
36:47 — SSPX consecrations and Vatican response
38:47 — Pallium ceremony for U.S. archbishops
40:42 — National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Maine
48:28 — Philadelphia preview with Archbishop Nelson Perez
57:04 — Closing coverage and final remarks

Hosted by Catherine Hadro, EWTN News In Depth welcomes guests in a discussion of current events in the Church, politics, and culture, all through the lens of the Catholic faith.
This show is about finding out who we are as people and as Catholics, and how we can confidently live our faith in the world. It is produced by EWTN News: https://www.ewtnnews.com

EWTN News In Depth airs on EWTN Fridays at 8pm ET. It re-airs on Saturdays at 1am ET & Sundays at 11am ET

Sign up today to receive the EWTN News In Depth newsletter:
https://www.ewtn.com/indepth

Follow EWTN News In Depth on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EWTNNewsInDepth
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EWTNNewsInDepth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewtnnewsindepth/

Subscribe to EWTN News YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/@ewtnnews

You can support the EWTN News mission:
https://bit.ly/3qDR1qf