The LOOP
The Friday Loop - February 27, 2026
PRO-ABORTION PROFESSOR DECLINES NOTRE DAME LEADERSHIP ROLE AFTER CATHOLIC OUTCRY
University of Notre Dame Associate Professor Susan Ostermann has declined her appointment as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, following weeks of backlash from bishops, students, and others concerned that her pro-abortion views make her unfit for the position at the Catholic school.
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM CEO RESIGNS AMID EPSTEIN SCRUTINY
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM CEO RESIGNS AMID EPSTEIN SCRUTINYBørge Brende, president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, announced yesterday that he will step down amid scrutiny over his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His departure marks the latest fallout from renewed attention to the Epstein files, which have triggered resignations and legal consequences for high-profile figures in the United States and abroad. Congressional scrutiny continues in Washington as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared for a closed-door deposition yesterday as part of the committee's ongoing investigation.
'CHRIST IS MY IDENTITY’: NY CATHOLIC SCHOOL ALUM WINS OLYMPIC GOLD
Olympic gold medalist Haley Winn helped Team USA capture gold in women’s hockey in Milan, then pointed to her faith as her anchor. “Christ is my identity, my foundation,” the New York Catholic school alum said, crediting prayer, family, and her parish community for carrying her to hockey’s highest stage.
STUDENT CALLS ND PROFESSOR’S WITHDRAWAL A ‘CALCULATED PLAY’
In an exclusive statement to Zeale News, Luke Woodyard, a student organizer behind tonight's "March on the Dome" demonstration at the University of Notre Dame, said Susan Ostermann's decision to step back from her appointed directorship is far from a genuine concession. “There is no good faith on this withdrawal,” Woodyard said. “It is a calculated play by Ostermann and her supporters to lower the University outrage and retain her authority at Notre Dame.”
U.S.-IRAN TALKS END WITHOUT DEAL, OFFICIALS CITE ‘SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS’
Indirect nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran concluded yesterday in Geneva without a final agreement, though Omani and Iranian officials said progress was made. The high-stakes negotiations come amid a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, with technical talks set to resume next week in Vienna.
SCOTT HAHN ON FAITH AND PUBLIC LIFE
In a new interview with Erika Ahern on The Deep, biblical scholar Scott Hahn said Catholics must bring faith into public life through friendship and witness. “Joy is the one thing that is irrefutable,” Hahn said. “People are starving for joy.”
CARDINAL PIZZABALLA QUESTIONS ‘DOUBLE STANDARDS’ ON ISRAEL, GAZA
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem said many Palestinians see a double standard in the international community’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza compared with Russia’s war in Ukraine. Speaking from Jerusalem, he warned of deepening humanitarian suffering, eroding trust in political institutions, and declining hope for peace in the region.
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NATIONAL LEADERS TO READ ENTIRE BIBLE IN WEEKLONG D.C. MARATHON
More than 475 national leaders will gather at the Museum of the Bible April 18–25 for “America Reads the Bible,” a public reading of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event, hosted by Christians Engaged and the Family Policy Alliance Foundation, will be livestreamed nationwide and feature several Catholic participants.
TRUMP'S SURGEON GENERAL PICK PRESSED ON BIRTH CONTROL
Dr. Casey Means, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, told senators during her Feb. 25 confirmation hearing that hormonal birth control carries “horrifying health risks,” while also maintaining that the medication should be widely accessible to women.
PUT THE KETTLE ON: WHY SLOWING DOWN MATTERS
In this reflective essay, Zeale's Rosie Hall turns a high-tech kitchen spigot into a symbol of America’s obsession with efficiency and makes a case for reclaiming the slow, beautiful rituals of daily life. From whistling kettles to handwritten words, Hall invites readers to trade instant gratification for intention — and maybe put the kettle on tonight.
CATHOLIC 101
Lent isn't just "Catholic Ramadan." Marcus Peter for Catholic Answers explains why Lent and Ramadan, though similar on the surface, flow from fundamentally different beliefs about God, grace, and salvation.
SAINT OF THE DAY
An Armenian monk, priest and mystic, St. Gregory of Narek is best known for his Book of Lamentations — 95 profound prayers that became one of the most beloved works in the Armenian language and a spiritual treasury for the universal Church.
DAILY PSALM
"If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?" (Psalm 130)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
EVERYDAY HEROES: ARIZONA MOVERS HELP RESCUE TRAFFICKED 3-YEAR-OLD
Arizona police rescued a 3-year-old girl after local moving company employees recognized her and blocked the suspect’s vehicle until help arrived. The men acted on their human trafficking awareness training, and because of their courage, the toddler is now safe.
