The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - April 23, 2025

GOVERNMENT TO ELIMINATE TOXIC FOOD DYES

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, yesterday announced in a joint press conference with FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary that the government is moving to ban petroleum-based food dyes, citing links to chronic illnesses in children.

SUPREME COURT SIDES WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that an illegal immigrant must be given extra time to leave the country since his 60-day deadline fell on a weekend. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion, siding with the Court’s three liberal justices as well as Chief Justice John Roberts.

CAN MARYLAND PARENTS OPT KIDS OUT OF LGBT BOOKS?

Attorneys representing several Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim parents of children in a Maryland school district argued before the US Supreme Court today, contending that parents have the right to opt their children out of LGBT instruction in the classroom.

STATE EMPLOYED TESLA VANDAL WILL NOT FACE CHARGES

A Minnesota state employee with the Department of Human Services who was caught on camera vandalizing Teslas will avoid charges, prompting public outrage. The vandal reportedly caused $20,000 in damage across multiple vehicles.

JUDGE SHOOTS DOWN UTAH SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAM

A district judge ruled April 18 that Utah’s school choice program is unconstitutional, leaving thousands of children whose families had been using the $8,000 annual school choice grants in limbo.

STANDING WITH THE UNBORN ON GOOD FRIDAY

On Good Friday, thousands of pro-life Christians across the US marked the Passion of Christ by praying the Way of the Cross outside abortion facilities. Nearly 80 prayer vigils took place across 28 states.

POPE FRANCIS' BODY NOW LIES IN STATE

Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday, April 26, following a funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Public visitation began this morning, when his body was brought to the basilica to lie in state for the faithful to pay their respects.

SO MUCH NEWS

Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Pope Francis thanked his personal nurse just before dying. • A fire devastated a New York church on Holy Saturday. • The Empire State Building shone white and gold for Pope Francis.

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.

PAPAL FOUNDATION MOURNS POPE FRANCIS

The only United States-based nonprofit dedicated to serving the Church according to the Holy Father’s requests has released a statement upon the death of Pope Francis. “The Papal Foundation, along with the Universal Catholic Church, prays for the soul of Pope Francis,” wrote Papal Foundation President Ward Fitzgerald.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HONOR POPE FRANCIS

Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly offered condolences and prayers April 21 following the death of the Holy Father: “Pope Francis was a powerful witness to charity and fraternity, calling us from his first days as pope to reach out to the margins of society and serve those who are too often forgotten."

“Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord." (Psalm 105:3)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR HOLY FATHER’S REPOSE

Please join us in our continued prayers for Pope Francis’ repose, and for the whole Church.