The LOOP
The Tuesday Loop - April 22, 2025
TRUMP, FIRST LADY TO ATTEND PAPAL FUNERAL
President Donald Trump will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, which will take place in Rome on Saturday. “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome,” the president announced Easter Monday. “We look forward to being there!”
ADMINISTRATION DISMISSES HEGSETH STORIES
Trump and White House spokespeople are dismissing what they call the "non-story" of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly inappropriately discussing military matters in another Signal chat with family and personal team members. Trump also criticized former Pentagon aides who were suddenly dismissed last week.
STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENTS TO RESUME AFTER 2020 PAUSE
The Department of Education is poised to resume collections on defaulted federal student loans in May for the first time since 2020. A senior department official said only 40% of borrowers are up to speed on their loan repayments.
BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS CANONIZATION SUSPENDED
The Holy See Press Office announced yesterday that the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which was set to take place April 27, is suspended due to the death of Pope Francis.
DEATH BILL DEFEATED FOR 8TH TIME IN MARYLAND
Grassroots efforts have again bested Maryland Democrats’ efforts to legalize assisted suicide, protecting vulnerable groups such as military veterans. This was the eighth time such legislation has been introduced in Maryland, and the eighth time it has been overcome.
TRUMP ORDERS FLAGS FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF FOR POPE
"As children darted across the South Lawn for the White House Easter Egg Roll, the American flag above them hung at half-staff — a quiet signal of mourning for Pope Francis amid celebration," reports Emma Ayers. "President Trump on Monday ordered U.S. flags lowered 'as a mark of respect for the memory' of Francis." READ
ARCHBISHOP CHARLES CHAPUT ON THE FRANCIS PAPACY
Now "is a time for candor. The lack of it, given today’s challenges, is too expensive," writes Archbishop Emeritus Charles Chaput of Philadelphia. "In many ways, whatever its strengths, the Francis pontificate was inadequate to the real issues facing the Church."
SO MUCH NEWS
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Egg roll! Kids got to play at the White House on Easter Monday. • Watchdog group: Anthony Fauci's fortune DOUBLED during COVID. • Tyler O'Neil explains how Trump got a key win on immigration.
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FOUND: THE RELIC OF THE RESURRECTION ENTRUSTED TO SAINT JUDE
Did you know this relic was taken from Christ’s tomb (it’s NOT the Shroud)? Most have forgotten what the Early Church Fathers taught from Scripture & tradition about Saint Jude—why he is the Apostle for Impossible Causes. This Easter learn about Saint Jude… his brothers… his mother at the Crucifixion… and the Scripture about Jude’s father. Saint Jude, pray for us!
POPE FRANCIS GETS CREDIT FOR UNLIKELY CONVERSION
Nearly two years after Pope Francis made his historic visit to Mongolia, Tserenchimed Chuluunbaatar was baptized into the Catholic Church this Easter. Here's why Pope Francis can take credit for this unexpected turn in the 67-year-old Mongolian's retirement.
STUDY FINDS WHAT NEWEST SEMINARIANS HAVE IN COMMON
A survey of the majority of the 2025 ordination candidates for the priesthood found that this year’s average candidate is a 34-year-old cradle Catholic who regularly prayed the Rosary and went to Eucharistic adoration before entering seminary.
TRICK YOURSELF TO SLEEP
We all need sleep to maintain our physical and mental health and perform our best. Here are 45 tricks, many of which you've never heard before, to help you fall asleep and sleep more deeply.
CATHOLIC 101
Philip Kosloski writes that "the Easter season is one of the most beautiful times to die in the liturgical year. The hope and promise of the resurrection are fresh in our minds and we can look forward with great eagerness at the life to come."
SAINT OF THE DAY
April 22 is the feast of Saints Caius and Soter, two popes of the early Church who are both venerated in tradition as martyrs.
DAILY PSALM
“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." (Psalm 33:5)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
PRAY FOR OUR HOLY FATHER’S REPOSE
We mourn Pope Francis, and we call on all Catholics to join us in praying for his happy repose. Through the intercession of Saint Joseph, Light of Patriarchs, to whom the Holy Father had a special devotion, may Our Lord grant Pope Francis eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.