The LOOP

The Tuesday Loop - February 24, 2026

TRUMP MAY HOLD OFF ON IRAN WAR FOR NOW

President Donald Trump is still considering a broader military assault on Iran, but military action may be less imminent than some in the media have reported. Full military engagement may come in the next few months, the administration says, but only if diplomacy or an initial targeted U.S. strike fails to persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear program.

'CHLOE COLE ACT' WOULD PROTECT KIDS FROM 'TRANS'

Republican Missouri Rep. Bob Onder yesterday reintroduced the Chloe Cole Act of 2026, federal legislation that would protect children from being subjected to “gender transition” procedures. The measure is named for Chloe Cole, a Catholic detransitioner who fought back after suffering "transgender" medical interventions. "Embracing her Catholic faith gave Chloe the strength to fight back," said CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt. "Chloe’s courage and this legislation constitute a direct rebuke to those who profit from mutilating minors and dare to call it ‘care.'"

ALL-AMERICAN HOCKEY STAR SPOUTS PATRIOTISM AFTER WIN

After scoring the “golden goal” that ended a 46-year Olympic gold drought for the U.S. in men’s hockey, Jack Hughes said, “I’m so proud to be American today! This is all about our country right now. I love the USA!”

CARTEL LEADER'S DEATH SPARKS WIDESPREAD VIOLENCE IN MEXICO

The Mexican army over the weekend killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The operation triggered widespread cartel violence and prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a shelter-in-place order for American citizens in Mexico.

EX UK AMBASSADOR TO US ARRESTED OVER EPSTEIN DEALINGS

British police on Feb. 23 reportedly arrested Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to the U.S., on suspicion of misconduct in public office tied to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

HOCKEY WORLD HONORS MEMORY OF CATHOLIC PLAYER

The victorious Hockey Team USA honored the late player Johnny Gaudreau at the Olympic contest by lifting his No. 13 jersey and welcoming his children onto the ice. Gaudreau was a Catholic, and his surviving family made sure the witness of their shared faith endured by distributing blessed rosary rings to players.

CARDINAL SARAH URGES OBEDIENCE AMID SSPX FARRAGO

Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect emeritus of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, spoke out Sunday urging the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) — which recently said it intends to ordain new bishops without papal permission — to remain in unity and canonical obedience to the successor of Peter, emphasizing that this obedience “guarantees our bond with Christ Himself.”

NOW AVAILABLE: CATHOLIC BRICK SETS AND NEW BOOK!

Created for kids ages 5 to 13, build a church for Fr. Leopold, a confessional for Fr. John, and don't forget the altar servers with the Catholic Brick Sets! A perfect companion, the NEW 3rd Catholic Brick Book dives into the theology of prayer with bricks! "It's like they took the Church Fathers, Scott Hahn, and Brant Pitre and made it EASY for kids to understand!" Go to holyheroes.com/brick for all sets and books! PS—the Catholic Brick Sets and Books sell out every year for Easter & 1st Communion!

CHICAGO TO ERECT STATUE OF SAINT IN PLACE OF COLUMBUS

A monument honoring the Roman Catholic saint Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini will replace a statue of Christopher Columbus in Chicago’s Arrigo Park in Little Italy. The Chicago Park District announced this month that Chicagoans overwhelmingly voted for Mother Cabrini during a contest to determine what historical figure should replace Columbus.

BALTIMORE CANCELS RITE OF ELECTION LITURGIES DUE TO STORM

Archbishop William Lori canceled Rite of Election liturgies scheduled for Feb. 22 at two major churches in the Archdiocese of Baltimore as a winter storm brought anywhere from a few inches to more than a foot of snow to the region. “The OCIA rites will not be rescheduled this year at the archdiocesan level," a statement from the archdiocese said.

8 TRANSFORMATIVE DATE NIGHT IDEAS

Every marriage needs kindling! Check out this series of conversation topics recommended in the book "Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love." They're designed to help couples tackle foundational topics in their marriage.

CATHOLIC 101

Aleteia offers wisdom from St. Leo the Great on conquering selfish desires during Lent.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Orphaned young and inspired by the canonization of St. Alphonsus Liguori, Blessed Thomas Maria Fusco became a devoted priest who trained confessors, preached missions, and founded the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood, spreading devotion to Christ’s saving sacrifice throughout Italy.

DAILY PSALM

"From all their distress God rescues the just." (Psalm 34)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

WITNESS

In Jalisco, Catholic priests climbed onto the roof of their church, carrying Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, to pray over Mexico amid civil unrest in the region following retaliation linked to the killing of El Mencho. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for Mexico!