The LOOP
The Monday Loop - June 16, 2025
FULL TEXT: POPE LEO'S HISTORIC ADDRESS IN CHICAGO
Pope Leo XIV spoke about unity, hope, and community in his historic June 14 video address to the young people of the Church and to those gathered at White Sox Rate Field in Chicago. the full text of his remarks here.
MINNESOTA POLITICAL ASSASSIN STILL AT LARGE
A manhunt is underway for suspect Vance Luther Boelter, who is accused of killing Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and shooting State Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife Yvette. The Hoffmans survived. READ
STUNNING MILITARY PARADE MARKS ARMY'S 250th YEAR
A Saturday military parade featured soldiers in historic uniforms from every era, marking the US Army’s 250th anniversary. "Every other country celebrates their victories," said President Donald Trump in a speech for the event. "It's about time America did too — that's what we're doing tonight."
TRUMP: ISRAEL AND IRAN SHOULD 'MAKE A DEAL'
Trump said the United States “had nothing to do with the attack on Iran” as Israel and Iran traded missile attacks for the third straight day. Iran has said the US, being the primary sponsor of the attacking nation, bears responsibility. Trump indicated he wants to help Israel and Iran "make a deal" and cease hostilities.
LA MAYOR BASS DOWNPLAYS RIOTS, CONDEMNS ICE
Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday downplayed the anti-ICE riots still taking place in the city while condemning the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts. On Saturday, protests took "a turn from peaceful to violent as rising unrest spurred police to deploy tear gas," Fox News reported.
'SAINT CARLO ACUTIS' TO FEATURE IN SCORSESE'S SAINTS SERIES
Blessed Carlo Acutis, who by then will be a canonized saint, will be among the featured figures in the second season of “Martin Scorsese Presents: THE SAINTS,” the FOX Nation docudrama set to return in November.
REPORT: PAKISTANI CHRISTIAN GIRLS SUFFER HORRIBLY
Christian girls and women in Pakistan remain frequent targets of violence and coercion, according to a new report by Franciscan Father Lazar Aslam sent to Aid the Church in Need. Documenting recent incidents of rape, forced conversion, and underage marriage, the report portrays a justice system that offers little recourse for Christian victims.
LOOPcast DEEP DIVE
This year, it appears that "Pride Month" is no longer being shoved in our faces. What changed?
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: PRAYER AMID LOS ANGELES RIOTS
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles responded last week to the anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots and protests in the city by holding a “Day of Prayer for Peace and Unity” June 11.
OPUS DEI SUBMITS REVISED STATUTES TO ROME
After a multi-year effort, Opus Dei — the lay apostolate founded by St. Josemaría Escrivá — has finalized revising its statutes and submitted them to the Holy See for approval this month.
PILGRIMAGE SITES OUT WEST
“Go West, young man.” Or family vacationers. If you’re headed to Montana, Utah, Oregon, Arizona, or any of the other great western states this summer, here are pilgrimage sites you can visit to add a splash of the sacred to your trip.
CATHOLIC 101
If you hear “mortification” and think “shame, gloominess, self-hatred,” then you learned an un-Christian version of the word. Mortification can and should produce joy in our souls. Here’s an exploration of joyful mortification and why you need some in your life.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the memory of Saint John Francis Regis, a 17th-century French Jesuit known for his zealous missionary efforts and his care for the poor and marginalized.
DAILY PSALM
"The Lord has made known his salvation." (Psalm 98:2)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
INSPIRING
Tens of thousands of mass-goers joined in singing "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" at Rate Field after Saturday's game, following the video address to Americans by Pope Leo.