Louisiana
The Latest
Louisiana priest sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to rape of teenage boy
Lawrence Hecker had pleaded guilty earlier this month to the kidnapping and raping of his teenage victim in the 1970s. Read more
Federal judge blocks Louisiana law mandating Ten Commandments in school classrooms
A coalition of state residents had sued the Louisiana government earlier this year to block the state rule, arguing the... Read more
Louisiana diocese set to file for bankruptcy, negotiate settlement with abuse victims
In 2019 then-Alexandria Bishop David Talley released a list of 27 priests who had served in the diocese and who... Read more
Catholic Charities seeks volunteers in Louisiana as Hurricane Francine floods the region
Hurricane Francine made landfall in southern Louisiana on Sept. 11 as a Category 2 storm, bringing 100 mph winds in... Read more
Louisiana treasurer urges ban on Bank of America over alleged religious discrimination
The bank is disputing what it calls “factually incorrect” claims, pointing to what it says are its tens of thousands... Read more
‘One of a kind’ Eucharistic boat procession set to roll down Mississippi River
A procession of house, tug, and steamboats is set to launch in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Aug. 14 and land... Read more
Residents sue Louisiana to block state’s inclusion of Ten Commandments in schools
The coalition filed the lawsuit against members of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Read more
Pro-life roundup: Louisiana passes abortion fraud bill, California invites abortionists from Arizona
A look at major abortion-related developments that took place in the states this week. Read more
Pro-life Democrats champion government aid to pregnancy resource centers in Louisiana
The program would increase the total spending on the Alternatives to Abortion program from $1 million this cycle to between... Read more
Ugandan priest named diocesan administrator of Louisiana diocese following death of bishop
Father Simon-Peter Engurait has been chosen as diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana. Read more
Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana dies unexpectedly at 63
Bishop Mario Dorsonville was bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for less than a year, having been appointed as bishop... Read more
Mike Johnson elected Speaker of the House
Rep. Mike Johnson, a 51-year-old Louisiana Republican, was elected Speaker of the House on Wednesday afternoon in a 220-209 vote. Read more
Baton Rouge priest killed in a car crash remembered for his holiness, passion for truth
Father Mark Beard, who died Aug. 2, became a priest later in life after a successful career and was known... Read more
Louisiana lawmakers override veto, will ban sex changes for kids
Rep. Gabe Firment, the primary sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement that the override is a “huge win”... Read more
New Orleans priest pleads guilty to two child molestation charges
Father Patrick Wattigny, 55, a former pastor and chaplain in Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced to five years in prison. Read more
Utah’s bill protecting minors prompts porn site to block access to entire state
A Utah bill that is designed to prevent minors from accessing pornography online is set to go into effect on... Read more
Pilot who offered women flights to abortion-friendly states fired from job teaching at Catholic seminary
A professor at a Catholic seminary in Louisiana lost his job after it was discovered that he had gone on... Read more
Louisiana governor calls for end to death penalty — and legalizing some abortions
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, citing “pro-life values,” has called on lawmakers to end the state’s death penalty in the... Read more
Louisiana priest confirmed as victim in double homicide, archbishop offers prayers
Father Otis Young, 71, who retired in July, was pastor for approximately 10 years at St. Peter Catholic Church in... Read more
Louisiana Catholic church community ‘rocked’ by reports of double homicide
The news comes amid an unconfirmed report that the victims were the parish’s former pastor and a former employee. Read more
