The LOOP
The Tuesday Loop - May 6, 2025
TRUMP DOJ LAUNCHES PROBE OF WASHINGTON CONFESSION LAW
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Monday it launched a civil rights investigation into a new Washington state law that would force Catholic priests to report child abuse, even when disclosed during the sacrament of confession. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division called the legislation "anti-Catholic," and in a press release Monday, the DOJ said the law “appears on its face to violate the First Amendment.”
DOJ MOVES TO DISMISS LAWSUIT OVER MIFEPRISTONE
The DOJ filed a motion Monday seeking to dismiss a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for failing to properly regulate the dangerous abortion drug mifepristone. Though the DOJ is seeking to end the current lawsuit, it acknowledged that the states can still pursue legal action in other courts.
TRUMP ON 'POPE TRUMP' MEME: MELANIA THOUGHT IT WAS 'CUTE'
President Donald Trump brushed off media criticism Monday after an AI-generated image portraying him as the Pope went viral, making clear he had no role in its creation. “I had nothing to do with it,” he said. “Somebody did it in fun."
Advertisement
GET YOUR DEGREE IN AI AT UDALLAS
The University of Dallas MS in Data Science and AI blends technical excellence with human-centered leadership. Designed for working professionals, this program combines hands-on projects in AI, cybersecurity, and analytics with a faith-informed core curriculum. Build skills that matter in real-world settings and graduate ready to lead with purpose.
NEBRASKA PLANNED PARENTHOOD COLLAPSING
The Planned Parenthood facility in Omaha, Nebraska, is experiencing a staffing crisis that abortion advocates claim is the result of corporate executives’ indifference. The last licensed nurse trained to assist with abortions resigned from the clinic in April.
POPE LEAVES MEANINGFUL GIFT TO FRIEND IN LOS ANGELES
Shortly before his death, Pope Francis left a pair of his shoes to Los Angeles-based Catholic broadcaster Noel Díaz as a final personal gesture in a years-long friendship. Díaz, founder of the Spanish-language Catholic media network ESNE, had developed a close rapport with the pope after first meeting him in 2016 aboard the papal plane.
ESTABLISHMENT PEDIATRICS ORG REJECTS HHS 'TRANS' FINDINGS
The president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said in a statement that her organization is “deeply alarmed” by the Department of Health and Human Services' recent report on the harms associated with subjecting children to "transgender" medical interventions. “This report misrepresents the current medical consensus and fails to reflect the realities of pediatric care,” complained Susan J. Kressly, M.D.
SO MUCH NEWS
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is being sued by 20 blue states over HHS reforms. • Newark International Airport plagued by malfunctions and delays. • A bishop shared how Pope Francis cared about mental health issues.
Advertisement
CONTEST: GUESS THE NAME THE NEW POPE WILL TAKE
Not who becomes the pope, but what NAME he’ll take! Say a prayer—then guess! Every guess wins a prize. Guess correctly & you win a Vatican Papal Blessing Parchment for your family… from the new pope. It will be a constant reminder that the Holy Spirit inspired you before the election. Hurry: only guesses before “Habemus Papam!” will count. Give us your best guess!
US, UKRAINIAN BISHOPS HIGHLIGHT COST OF WAR
Bishops from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops met with religious leaders from Ukraine this month to show solidarity between the two countries amid the Ukraine-Russia war.
CATHOLIC HEALTH GROUP PRAISES ADMIN FOR PROTECTING KIDS
The Christ Medicus Foundation is praising the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a new federal report rejecting “gender-affirming” procedures for minors, calling it a major step toward protecting children.
LOOPcast
We have to address it: Trump’s Papal meme: Sacrilege or Stupid? We get Cardinal Dolan’s response, while unpacking the real conclave buzz: Cardinal Prevost’s sudden media glow-up, Parolin’s fading star, and Africa’s growing kingmaker clout with 18 electors. Plus, we’ve got good news like the self-deportation initiative saving millions, culture wins with Secretary Duffy’s family travel push, and a heated Church Corner on Washington state’s new law cracking the seal of confession.
CATHOLIC 101
Want to pray for holy leaders in the Church? Here is a prayer Pope Saint John Paul II composed that invokes Mary under her title of "Mother of Priests."
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today is the feast of Saint Evodius, one of the 72 disciples of Christ. Catholic tradition has always held that he was the first bishop of Antioch after Saint Peter. Evodius coined the word “Christian” to refer to the disciples of Jesus.
DAILY PSALM
"Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." (Psalm 31:6)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
PRAY ALONG WITH CARDINAL BURKE'S CONCLAVE NOVENA
Cardinal Raymond Burke has composed a novena prayer for the selection of our next pope. Let's pray this together every day!