The LOOP

The Monday Loop - January 19, 2026

ISRAEL PUSHES BACK ON US GAZA PLAN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu objected to the Trump administration's newly announced framework for postwar governance in Gaza, criticizing the composition of the U.S.-led Board of Peace and its subordinate Gaza Executive Board. Netanyahu argued the body was formed without Israeli coordination and runs contrary to Israeli policy.

VIRGINIA BISHOPS WARN AGAINST ABORTION AMENDMENT

The Catholic bishops of Virginia issued a forceful rebuke this week after the Democratic-controlled General Assembly advanced a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine broad abortion rights into the state constitution. “This amendment would go far beyond even what Roe v. Wade previously allowed,” the bishops said.

TRUMP THREATENS TARIFFS OVER PUSH FOR GREENLAND

President Donald Trump threatened new 10% tariffs on eight European nations unless Denmark agrees to the "complete and total purchase of Greenland.” The tariffs would take effect Feb. 1 against Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

US STRIKE KILLS AL QAEDA LEADER

"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday a leader affiliated with al Qaeda who had direct ties to an ISIS terrorist responsible for killing two U.S. service members and an American interpreter Dec. 13 was killed in a U.S. strike in northwest Syria Friday," Fox News reports.

POPE LEO CAUTIONS AGAINST 'CHASING AFTER APPEARANCES'

In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV cautioned that a culture focused on approval, visibility, and success can lead to division and fragile relationships. Pointing to John the Baptist, he said true joy is rooted in humility and in knowing oneself as loved by God. The Pope also marked the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and renewed appeals for peace, citing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and recent flooding in southern Africa.

BOSTON ARCHDIOCESE OFFERS VALENTINE'S DAY CONVALIDATION

The Archdiocese of Boston will host a group wedding convalidation ceremony at Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Feb. 14, inviting civilly married couples to formally enter the sacrament of marriage. A diocesan leader told CatholicVote the event is part of a broader effort to raise awareness of convalidation, a sacramental process many Catholics do not realize is available to them.

HOW SHOULD PRO-LIFERS RESPOND TO TRUMP?

Days before the one-year mark of Trump's second term as president and just ahead of the 2026 March for Life, CatholicVote Vice President of Advocacy Joshua Mercer explains the value of sustained involvement and pressure, rather than public denunciation, has been responsible for consequential policy wins.

JOIN BIBLE ACROSS AMERICA

Encounter Christ. Share Christ: This Lent, join Catholics across the country as we gather for Bible Across America’s Lenten Bible study. Together with Shane Owens, John Bergsma, Fr. Dave Pivonka, and other leading Catholic voices, we’ll dive into the biblical roots of Lenten spirituality and prepare to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. Encounter Christ. Share Christ.

1st-CLASS CARLO ACUTIS RELIC COMING TO OHIO

A first-class relic of Saint Carlo Acutis will be available for public veneration in Cincinnati, Ohio, next month. The relic will be displayed at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains from Feb. 10–12, giving local Catholics a chance to ask for the powerful intercession of the first canonized millennial.

USCCB DETAILS EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL IMPACT

In 2022, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched the three-year National Eucharistic Revival, which sought to deepen Catholics’ belief in the Real Presence through Eucharistic processions, adoration, and catechesis. Now, the USCCB is assessing the experience that Catholics had during the revival, revealing strong positive gains and areas still in need of growth.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR OF MOTHERHOOD

Moms tell all: First year motherhood dos and don’ts — Motherhood is a time of radical transformation, and it can be hard to make decisions while you’re in the midst of diapers and feedings! Here’s advice from moms of all walks of life on thriving in your first year as a mom.

CATHOLIC 101

What does it really mean to speak the name of God, and why does the Church treat it with such reverence? Br. Joshua Lukez explores how honoring the Holy Name reveals God’s identity, His saving work, and His desire for relationship with us.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Canutus, who ruled Denmark beginning in 1080, was known for his deep piety, just governance, and commitment to strengthening the Catholic faith. After reforming abuses, defending the Church, and caring for his people, he was martyred by rebels while praying in church after receiving Holy Communion.

DAILY PSALM

"To the upright I will show the saving power of God." (Psalm 50)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

MOVING

A beautiful moment between Pope Leo and a blind woman at the Holy Father's general audience last week.