The LOOP
The Wednesday Loop - April 9, 2025
VATICAN AMBASSADOR NOMINEE FIELDS SENATE QUESTIONS
Brian Burch, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Vatican ambassador, responded to questions about religious persecution, USAID cuts, and the relationship between the Vatican and the Chinese Communist Party during a Senate confirmation hearing yesterday.
TRUMP HITS CHINA WITH 104% TARIFFS
Trump quickly raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a massive 104% last night, setting off a wave of negotiation requests from other nations. "It was a mistake for China to retaliate," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. "When America is punched, he punches back harder."
EXECUTIVE ORDER AIMS TO BOOST COAL INDUSTRY
The president signed an executive order yesterday aimed at reviving the US coal industry, framing it as a move toward energy independence and economic strength. “We’re ending Joe Biden’s war on beautiful, clean coal once and for all," Trump said. "We’re going to put the miners back to work.”
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LENTEN LESSONS: WHO ARE THE SHEPHERDS JESUS PROMISED TO SEND US?
In today’s Lenten Lesson on the Sacraments from Relevant Radio, Fr. Rocky explains what Jesus meant and how he has fulfilled that promise ever since the Last Supper. Watch and learn more about this sacrament of Holy Orders.
KANSAS CITY ARCHBISHOP RETIRES
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, the Vatican announced yesterday. Archbishop Naumann reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 earlier this year after more than 20 years of service in the archdiocese.
PRO-LIFE GROUP ENCOURAGES ADMIN TO DEFUND ABORTION
Texas Right for Life recently commended the Trump administration for temporarily freezing funds to Planned Parenthood, but also suggested going further: “The redirection of these tens of millions of dollars away from the abortion industry is a strong first step toward fully defunding Planned Parenthood."
PRO-ABORTION LAW SHAKEUP IN ILLINOIS
An Illinois federal judge on April 4 struck down one pro-abortion amendment and upheld another. According to the ruling, a state healthcare law does not require physicians to discuss the “benefits” of abortion with patients but does compel them to refer patients to abortion facilities upon request.
SO MUCH NEWS
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Anti-Christian persecution is soaring in Pakistan. • How to support rural, impoverished Catholic communities in the US. • Saint Veronica's veil was recently displayed in Rome.
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LIBRARIES PROVIDE CONDOMS TO MINORS
Twelve public libraries in Sacramento have public displays provided by Planned Parenthood that distribute free condoms and contraceptives. The displays are in the main hubs of some of the libraries, accessible to small children.
CHRISTIAN ARABIC MEDIA OUTLET OFFERS HOPE TO SYRIANS
Despite government censorship of many Christian programs, Arabic language channel SAT-7 USA is providing hope, support, and encouragement for the devastated Christian population in Syria and other countries in the Middle East.
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UDALLAS STANDS WITH ALUMNUS BRIAN BURCH
"A man of deep Catholic faith, strong character and genuine prudence, Brian Burch is a truly outstanding selection to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. We look forward to the great work he will perform in this vitally important role, and could not be prouder of him.” - UDallas President Jonathan J. Sanford. Join us in prayer for Brian.
CATHOLIC 101
The joy of the Cross... that doesn't sound right, does it? The Cross was a place of great pain and grief. But on the Cross there was also great love, glory, and victory. this fascinating reflection on how joy and sorrow are mingled in the blood of the Passion.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today is the feast of Saint Waudu, also known as Saint Waltrude. She came from an extremely saintly family in Belgium. Her parents, her husband, and her three children were all declared saints!
DAILY PSALM
“Glory and praise for ever!" (Daniel 3:52)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
INSPIRING
"My family is the story of the American dream..." Don't miss CatholicVote co-founder and longtime President Brian Burch's opening remarks at his Senate confirmation hearing yesterday. WATCH & SHARE