The president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Social Communications visited EWTN’s headquarters in Irondale, Alabama on June 1. He visited the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, where he met with EWTN foundress Mother Angelica and gave her a rosary from the Pope.

Michael P. Warsaw, president and chief executive officer of the EWTN Global Catholic Network, told CNA that Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli’s visit was “certainly a great honor” and a “tremendous boost” to the broadcaster’s efforts.

He reported that the archbishop visited Mother Angelica and presented her with a rosary “as a personal gift from the Holy Father.”

The prelate toured the EWTN Television Network, the EWTN Radio Network and the EWTN Religious Catalogue.

“The visit allowed the archbishop to see with his own eyes the incredible work that is done in the service of the Church each day by our dedicated staff,” Warsaw continued. “Throughout his visit, the archbishop stressed the importance of what EWTN is doing through television, radio and online and he expressed his support for what we do.”

The EWTN head said he was “very grateful” that Archbishop Celli visited to experience “all that the Network does for the new evangelization.”