The LOOP
The Tuesday Loop - March 4, 2025
TUESDAY, MARCH 4 – SHROVE TUESDAY
POPE FRANCIS HAS TWO MORE ACUTE RESPIRATORY CRISES
Pope Francis yesterday suffered two more episodes of acute respiratory failure, requiring medical staff to perform bronchoscopies for the removal of mucus buildup. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 due to a severe respiratory infection and double pneumonia.
TRUMP PAUSES UKRAINE AID, PRESSING ZELENSKYY ON PEACE
The Trump administration is pausing all aid to Ukraine until Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demonstrates a greater commitment to peace, Fox News reported this week. “President Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace," a White House official told Fox. "We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well."
BISHOP BARRON TO ATTEND TRUMP ADDRESS TO CONGRESS
Bishop Robert Barron is set to celebrate Mass today on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol for Catholic members of Congress. Bishop Barron will then attend President Donald Trump’s address to Congress as the personal guest of Rep. Riley Moore, R-WV.
DEM STRATEGISTS WEIGH SIDELINING FAR LEFT TO WIN ELECTIONS
A group of Democratic consultants, elected officials, and party leaders met in early February to strategize the party’s comeback, concluding that a shift toward moderation – and a rejection of far-left ideologies – will be crucial for future election victories.
BILL TO PROTECT GIRLS' SPORTS FAILS TO OVERCOME FILIBUSTER
“A Republican-led Senate bill to prevent boys from participating in girls' sports failed to overcome the legislative filibuster on Monday night after it did not reach the necessary 60-vote threshold to advance,” FOX News reported. Only seven Democrats needed to join Republicans for the bill to avoid filibuster.
SCHOOLS REVAMP SHOP CLASSES TO COUNTER RISE OF AI
“School districts around the U.S. are spending tens of millions of dollars to expand and revamp high-school shop classes,” the Wall Street Journal recently reported. The investment in hands-on education is intended as “a hedge against” the apparent inevitability of a future dominated by AI technology.
LOOPCAST
Why did Trump and Zelenskyy’s meeting explode into a shouting match? And why is the Left pushing Project 2029 after slamming Project 2025? Plus, English is your new official language and a pro-baby Oscar speech. Don’t miss Pogo's epic return to!
LIVE COVERAGE OF TRUMP’S REMARKS TODAY
Join LOOPcast live TONIGHT at 8:30 PM ET with Tom, Josh, and Erika for President Trump's address to Congress. We look back at the first days of America's Golden Age and what we hope to see in the years to come. Don't miss it!
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POPE FRANCIS SEES BLESSINGS IN HIS ILLNESS
“I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ that is hidden within frailty,” wrote Pope Francis in a text he prepared for his Sunday Angelus address, “because it is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord….”
DISGRACED JESUIT ARTIST ALLOWED TO OCCUPY CONVENT NEAR ROME
Former Jesuit priest Father Marko Rupnik, who stands credibly accused of sexually abusing numerous women and nuns, has reportedly been allowed to move into a convent near Rome. The resident Benedictine Sisters of Priscilla were forced to vacate the convent.
LEARNING FROM AFRICA
A Ugandan seminarian shares his story, and the story of his culture, highlighting the obstacles, dynamics, and solutions that led him from being a baby who almost wasn’t born to being a man who gives his life to God in His Church.
CATHOLIC 101
Before Ash Wednesday comes Shrove Tuesday, AKA Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras! Before the Great Fast, we feast. So, be a good Catholic and plan to get your ashes, observe the fast, and nail down your Lenten penances. But first, here are some tips for (good) fun on Fat Tuesday!
SAINT OF THE DAY
The son of the king of Poland, St. Casimir (1458-1484) developed a strong devotion to the Lord at a young age and rejected the luxurious court life, opting instead for a strict asceticism that included sleeping on the floor and staying awake all night meditating on the death of Christ. He was canonized in 1522 and is remembered for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and his love for Our Lady.
DAILY PSALM
“To the upright I will show the saving power of God.” (Psalm 50:23)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
PRAYER
Let’s remember to keep up our prayers for Pope Francis during his ongoing health struggle.