The LOOP
The Tuesday Loop - May 20, 2025
TRUMP: POPE OFFERED TO HOST UKRAINE-RUSSIA PEACE TALKS
President Donald Trump announced Monday that Pope Leo XIV has offered to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican. The president made the announcement after a two-hour call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
LAWMAKERS REQUEST THAT POPE LEO ADDRESS CONGRESS
Fourteen House Republicans sent a letter Monday to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-LA, urging him to invite Pope Leo XIV to address Congress—a historic first for a US-born pontiff. The late Pope Francis was the first pope ever to give a speech to Congress.
BIDEN SAID HE HAD CANCER IN 2022: ALLIES DISMISSED AS 'GAFFE'
A day after former President Joe Biden revealed he has advanced prostate cancer, conservatives and Catholic leaders responded with prayers, along with serious questions about the Biden administration’s lack of transparency and the timeline of his diagnosis. Concerns flared up even more after a video resurfaced of Biden publicly mentioning "I ... have cancer" in 2022. READ
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JERUSALEM PATRIARCH JOINS POPE IN APPEALING FOR GAZA
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has joined Pope Leo XIV in urging peace in the Holy Land, encouraging Christians around the world to take concrete action to assist those suffering in Gaza.
CUA HONORS PRO-LIFE CATHOLIC CONGRESSMAN WITH DEGREE
Catholic University of America (CUA) recognized Rep. Chris Smith, R-NJ, with an honorary degree on May 17 for his commitment to the rights of the unborn. In a speech thanking CUA for the honor, Smith celebrated the election of the first US-born pope. "Other than the Holy Spirit, who saw that coming?" he said.
DOJ TARGETS ALLEGED DEI HIRING PRACTICES IN CHICAGO
The Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday launched a probe into the City of Chicago to determine whether its hiring practices under Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson violate federal civil rights laws. In a letter addressed to Johnson, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced that the DOJ Civil Rights Division will examine whether the city is engaged in a “pattern or practice of discrimination based on race."
SO MUCH NEWS
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit it today’s LOOP: • US ambassador to Mexico's first stop? Our Lady of Guadalupe's Shrine! • The Diocese of Buffalo reached a settlement with abuse victims. • Experts are warning the EU about the dangers of online censorship.
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FINALLY: 'TANGIBLE' ADVICE 'I HIGHLIGHT, STAR, UNDERLINE'
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POPE REMOVES ARCHBISHOP PAGLIA FROM JPII INSTITUTE ROLE
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Baldassare Reina to head the Pontifical “John Paul II” Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences, removing the controversial Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia from the role.
INTERFAITH EVENT AT VATICAN SIGNALS CONTINUITY
Pope Leo yesterday welcomed Christian and interfaith leaders to the Vatican, where he pledged to continue Pope Francis' interreligious dialogues.
LOOPcast
Biden has been diagnosed with cancer… that he has had for years. How deep does this coverup go? Who has really been running the government? Pope Leo makes some bold moves and Hillary Clinton hates babies. Finally, a Mexican tall ship crashes into the Brooklyn Bridge! All this and more on the!
CATHOLIC 101
All women are called to spiritual motherhood. Biological mothers should not forget that they also owe spiritual motherhood to their children and to others outside the family. Women who are not biological mothers are called to a motherhood that is just as real and valid. Here are five women who exemplify spiritual motherhood.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church celebrates Saint Bernardine of Siena, a Franciscan friar and preacher known as “the Apostle of Italy” for his efforts to revive the country's Catholic faith during the 15th century.
DAILY PSALM
"Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom." (Psalm 145:12)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
HISTORY
While meeting with the first US-born pope in Church, Vice President JD Vance presented President Trump's official invitation to visit the White House.