The LOOP
The Friday Loop - December 26, 2025
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 - ST. STEPHEN'S DAY
POPE LEO DELIVERS POWERFUL CHRISTMAS HOMILY
Pope Leo yesterday became the first pope to preside over Christmas Day Mass at the Vatican since Pope St. John Paul II over thirty years ago. There, Pope Leo delivered a powerful homily in which he pointed out that God becoming flesh amounted to a plea for gentleness and care. “How, then," the Holy Father said, "can we not think of the tents in Gaza… or of those of so many other refugees and displaced persons on every continent; or of the makeshift shelters of thousands of homeless people in our own cities?”
POPE BLESSES THE WORLD, NAMING GLOBAL CONFLICTS
Following the Christmas Day Mass, the Holy Father imparted the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica, delivering an unusually long and detailed message in which he highlighted many of the world’s most violent or forgotten conflicts, framing them not in political terms but through the lens of Christian responsibility, conversion, and hope.
DON'T TAKE DOWN THE TREE!
After Christmas Day, many pack away their Christmas decorations and return to the rhythm of everyday life. But a growing Catholic movement embraces the Christmas spirit well into the New Year, celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas and even continuing festivities until Feb. 2, when the Church celebrates Candlemas.
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SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT 'JOY TO THE WORLD'
"Joy to the world! The Lord is come, let earth receive her King." We all know the hymn. However, here's what you probably don't know: It was originally written not about the arrival of the Christ Child on Christmas Day — but about His second coming.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Catholics around the world celebrate the feast of St. Stephen today, continuing the Christmas season by remembering the first Christian who laid down his life for his faith.
DAILY PSALM
"Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." (Psalm 31)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
DEVOTION
Catholics looking for a prayer resource that follows the Church’s daily liturgy, not just the Advent calendar, may find a new offering worth exploring this Christmas season.
