The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - February 26, 2026
US AMBASSADOR TO VATICAN COMMENTS ON IMMIGRATION
U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Brian Burch, former president of CatholicVote, gave a lengthy interview published this week at Crux. He explained that the effort to secure U.S. borders is backed by Catholic moral principles about securing the nation's common good. “The important thing here is this is not a set of evil policies rooted in hate or xenophobia,” he said. “That is a false claim that has never been true.”
SUPREME COURT TAKES ON CLIMATE CHANGE CASE AGAINST GAS COMPANIES
The Supreme Court agreed this week to hear a case that pits climate change regulations against oil and gas companies. The city of Boulder, Colorado, argues that Exxon Mobil and Suncor’s operations have contributed to climate change and should be compelled to help pay for climate control measures.
LOCAL BISHOP JOINS STUDENTS IN PRAYER FOR NOTRE DAME
As the University of Notre Dame continues to draw criticism for its promotion of a pro-abortion professor, local Bishop Kevin Rhoades led students in the Rosary this week at the campus’ grotto. Together, they prayed for the preservation of the school’s Catholic identity.
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THE CATHOLIC GETAWAY WHERE HUNDREDS DEEPEN THEIR FAITH
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FORMER TREASURY SEC, HARVARD PREZ TO RESIGN
Former Harvard President and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers is resigning from his tenured professorship at Harvard amid renewed scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Files show Summers stayed in touch with Epstein long after the latter's conviction for sexually soliciting a minor. In resurfaced messages, Summers asked Epstein for advice about a romantic interest he described as a “mentee.” Summers was married at the time.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: TRUMP'S GUESTS AT SOTU
President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in modern history Tuesday night, using his first formal speech of his second term to tout policy victories and spotlight Americans whose stories brought his message to life. Here are the special guests Trump highlighted during the speech.
'STATE OF THE UNBORN' SPEECH WARNS GOP NOT TO GO WEAK
In a “State of the Unborn” speech given hours before Trump's State of the Union address, Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, outlined the pro-life movement’s priorities and warned Republicans against sidelining their pro-life base.
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MAKE THE PRO-LIFE CHOICE THIS LENTEN SEASON
Support the life-saving work of your favorite pro-life charity with your everyday cell phone use!
ISRAELI FORCES SEAL OFF KEY BETHLEHEM ROUTES
Israeli military forces closed multiple entrances to the Bethlehem governorate in the West Bank Feb. 24, a U.S.-based Catholic apostolate reported. The closures have reportedly restricted movement for more than 200,000 residents, raising concerns about the population’s access to essential services. Residents rely on these routes for daily travel, work, commerce, medical access, and family visits.
CARDINAL MULLER WEIGHS IN ON SSPX, CITING REFORMATION
Cardinal Gerhard Müller said Feb. 21 that the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) should fight to defend the Faith from within the Church and communion with Pope Leo XIV, not from outside.
MARRY YOUNG?
"As someone who married at 24 and is now a father of three at 28, I’ve realized something the world gets wrong," writes William Nardi: "Marriage isn't the finish line you cross once you've lived your life; for many of us, it’s the spark that finally makes life make sense."
CATHOLIC 101
Drawing from her experience of intense physical suffering, a woman shares five hard-won lessons about surrender, trust, and allowing others to help as powerful paths to encountering Christ during Lent.
SAINT OF THE DAY
A 4th-century bishop of Alexandria, St. Alexander defended the divinity of Christ against the heresy of Arius and took part in the Council of Nicaea in 325, helping secure the Church’s teaching on who Jesus truly is. He was known for both his steadfast faith and charity to the poor.
DAILY PSALM
"Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me." (Psalm 138)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
TODAY
Can Catholics pursue holiness without retreating from public life? On this week's episode of The Deep, Erika Ahern sits down with renowned Biblical scholar Dr. Scott Hahn for a powerful conversation about faith, civic responsibility, and the future of our nation. Join us at 4PM ET on YouTube.
