Lou Holtz: Modernist Catholic Icon of the Conciliar Sect

The obituary published by EWTN News on March 4, 2026, presents the late football coach Lou Holtz as a paragon of Catholic faith and conservative American patriotism. It details his legendary coaching career, his lifelong Catholic identity nurtured by the Sisters of Notre Dame, his weekly Mass attendance, and his public statements on faith. The article highlights his political conservatism, his awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump, his description of Trump as “the greatest president during my lifetime,” and his final speech at the America First Policy Institute championing the “American dream.” Crucially, it notes that following the election of “Pope” Leo XIV in 2025, Holtz urged Catholics to “pray for [Leo], respect him and support him.” The piece concludes with his family’s statement that he is remembered for “faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.” This narrative constructs an image of a devout Catholic who seamlessly integrated his faith with American civic religion and loyalty to the post-conciliar hierarchy.