The LOOP
The Friday Loop - October 17, 2025
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 - MEMORIAL OF SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH
WHITE HOUSE PUSHES TO EXPAND IVF ACCESS
After President Donald Trump announced yesterday he was moving to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt responded that “we are deeply disappointed," since IVF "routinely destroys or discards embryonic children in the name of ‘treatment.’” Reinhardt added: “The longing for a child is holy, but a child can never be the product of a laboratory process that treats life as disposable.”
TRUMP: WE WILL 'GO AND KILL' HAMAS IF VIOLENCE CONTINUES
Trump yesterday stated that "we will have no choice but to go in and kill” Hamas if the group continues killing civilians in Gaza. Trump had said two days earlier that if Hamas refuses to disarm, "we will disarm them." He reportedly made preparations last week to deploy 200 troops already stationed in the Middle East to aid Israel in monitoring the Gaza ceasefire.
BOLTON INDICTED FOR IMPROPER HANDLING OF CLASSIFIED DOCS
"Former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton was indicted Thursday on 18 counts related to the improper handling of classified materials," Fox News reports. The charges include "eight counts of transmission of National Defense Information and ten counts of retention of National Defense information."
CIA ENGAGING IN COVERT OPS AGAINST VENEZUELA
The CIA is conducting covert operations inside Venezuela, marking an escalation in the Trump administration's campaign against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
US REVOKES VISAS OF DOZENS OF MEXICAN OFFICIALS
The Trump administration has revoked the U.S. visas of at least 50 Mexican politicians and government officials as part of its widening effort to dismantle drug cartels and their alleged political allies. Two Mexican officials told Reuters that those affected include members of Mexico’s ruling Morena Party, led by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, as well as dozens of figures from other parties.
JESUS IN NEW YORK
Several thousand Catholics walked along the rush hour traffic in Manhattan Tuesday as they participated in a procession with Jesus in the Eucharist, powerfully witnessing to His love and to His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
VATICAN MINOR PROTECTION REPORT PRESCRIBES MORE ACCOUNTABILITY
Abuse survivors and victims are calling for greater accountability and a clearer canonical process for the removal or resignation of Church leaders who cover up or neglect to address abuse. That's one of the primary findings of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors’ latest edition of its annual report regarding institutional reform, reparation, justice, and listening to abuse victims.
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IN ADORATION, THE BATTLE IS WON
Encounter the living Christ in Adoration. Holy Hours of Meditation and Healing offers guided reflections and prayers that help you surrender wounds, overcome fear, and rediscover the love of God. Discover the quiet power of Christ, who restores what the world has broken.
THE 10 BISHOPS WHO MAY BECOME NEXT USCCB PRESIDENT
This year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather Nov. 10-13 in Baltimore for its Fall Plenary Assembly. One of the key agenda items is electing the organization’s next president and vice president. Here is the slate of 10 nominees — elected by their peers — who are up for the role.
POPE LEO ENCOURAGES JOURNALISTS TO DEFEND TRUTH
At a time when misinformation and media distrust dominate public life, Pope Leo reminded journalists this month that truth-telling is a moral act rooted in human dignity — a message especially vital for Catholics navigating a digital world.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Pregnancy centers are suing California's attorney general for the right to serve women and babies with abortion pill reversals. • Pro-abortion groups are pushing Michigan women to order abortion pills even before they become pregnant. • A public memorial for Charlie Kirk was canceled after safety threats.
WAYS TO HELP A NEW MOM
New moms often receive ready-made meals through a meal train, but they need more help than that. If you’re not a cook, or if all the meal-train slots have been taken, consider one of these other ways you can help.
CATHOLIC 101
Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, recently offered an important explanation (and clarification) about “the seamless garment” approach to pro-life witness. He wrote his column in the aftermath of the controversy regarding the Chicago archdiocese's decision to honor pro-abortion Sen. Dick Durbin.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church celebrates Saint Ignatius of Antioch, a disciple of the Apostle John and successor to St. Peter in Antioch. Ignatius was martyred in Rome in 107 AD, boldly professing his desire to die for Christ.
DAILY PSALM
"I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation." (Psalm 32)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
THE DEEP
Since Ronald Reagan’s 1969 no-fault divorce law, the normalization of divorce has led to generational harm and entrenched a “me-first” culture, which has left family stability by the wayside. In this episode of, Erika discusses the impact of this issue and looks at how we can rebuild a culture that favors lifelong commitment!