The LOOP

The Saturday Loop - March 1, 2025

VATICAN: POPE FRANCIS SUFFERS ‘SUDDEN WORSENING’ OF CONDITION

Pope Francis was put on “non-invasive mechanical ventilation” Feb. 28 after suffering a respiratory crisis, Vatican News reported. A bronchospasm “led to an episode of vomiting with aspiration.” He responded well to ventilation, but his prognosis “remains reserved.”

ADMIN TERMINATES BISHOPS’ REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT CONTRACTS

Less than two weeks after the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sued over the government’s freeze of funding for the USCCB’s refugee resettlement program, the Trump administration terminated the bishops’ government contracts, potentially nullifying the lawsuit.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT HAS DISASTROUS MEETING AT WHITE HOUSE

After a volatile meeting in the Oval Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has potentially lost a ceasefire deal with Russia. Trump canceled upcoming appearances with Zelenskyy, accusing him of “disrespecting” the American people, and adding: “He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

SUPPORT PRO-LIFE, PRO-FAMILY CAUSES WITH CHARITY MOBILE

Legislative efforts across the U.S. make it clear that the culture of death is not going away. Switching your phone service to Charity Mobile helps build a culture of life! 5% of your monthly plan price goes to your favorite pro-life, pro-family charity—at no extra cost! New customers get a free phone, free activation, and free shipping with promo code LOOP.

VP LEADS PRAYER FOR POPE AT NATIONAL CATHOLIC PRAYER BREAKFAST JD

Vance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast yesterday led the whole gathering in a prayer for the Holy Father’s health. Vance also praised the Pope as a “great pastor” and admonished Catholics not to drag the pontiff into American political debates.

RFK ORDERS REVIEW OF CHILDHOOD VACCINE SCHEDULE

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has told HHS employees: “Nothing is going to be off limits in our Chronic Disease Investigation… including the childhood vaccine schedule.” The probe will also examine the American diet, pesticides, food additives, microplastics, and other potential contributors to disease.

HEROES & ZEROES

CatholicVote’s Catholic Accountability Project publishes a monthly rundown of Catholics in American public life who either witnessed to our faith or caused scandal by misrepresenting and betraying it. Here are February’s!

LOOPcast

Capitol Hill superstar Rachel Bovard joins the to talk Epstein files, National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, and updates from the Hill!

YOU’LL THANK US ONE LENTEN FRIDAY: AT-HOME STATIONS

Face it: one Friday you’ll miss Stations of the Cross at church. Kids melting down – or sick? You’re sick? Snow, ice, wind, rain? Holy Heroes bundled the three things every family needs for Stations at home. Beautiful poster for each Station + full-color bi-lingual prayer booklet + pray-along audio (two versions including one played Good Fridays on EWTN Radio).

POPE APPROVES CANONIZATION OF FORMER SATANIC PRIEST

Pope Francis this week approved the canonization of Blessed Bartolo Longo, a Satanic priest who dramatically converted back to the Catholic faith, becoming a third-order Dominican and champion of the Rosary.

BAKE WHILE IT'S STILL COLD

Make the most of a few more chilly nights! Here’s what you should bake while your toasty-warm kitchen still represents a refuge from the wintry outside: Pecan monkey bread, Nutella cinnamon rolls, gouda roasted potato bread, and more.

C.S. LEWIS: FOUR LOVES C.S

Lewis’ “The Four Loves” explores affection, friendship, eros, and charity. Daniel Klein examines this great book’s insights on love of country: patriotism.

CATHOLIC 101

Lent is sneaking up on us! Here’s how to plan a Lenten experience that’s truly purifying and edifying.

SAINT OF THE DAY

St. David of Wales (500-589) was a missionary bishop, the founder of many sixth-century monasteries, and the patron of the Welsh people. His rule of life included long prayer, hard manual labor, and silence. His last words were: “Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”

SATURDAY'S PSALM

“The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:17)

SATURDAY'S READINGS

Saturday's Mass readings.

SUNDAY’S PSALM

“Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.” (Psalm 92:2)

SUNDAY’S READINGS

Sunday's Mass readings.

ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA

White friars

PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS

Please join us in our continued prayers for Pope Francis during his hospitalization.