The LOOP
The Monday Loop - March 9, 2026
IRANIAN ASSEMBLY CHOOSES NEW SUPREME LEADER
Iran’s Assembly of Experts has chosen Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the next Supreme Leader of Iran. President Donald Trump stated Sunday that any new leader in Iran is "not going to last long” unless Iranians get U.S. approval first. In addition, Israel has threatened to target any new leader immediately.
UNITED STATES GETS NEW PAPAL NUNCIO
Pope Leo on Saturday appointed Archbishop Gabriele Caccia as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. The 68-year-old Archbishop Caccia previously served as the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York.
TRUMP ON OIL PRICE SURGE: 'SMALL PRICE TO PAY'
"U.S. oil futures have followed their biggest weekly rise ever by surging as much as 20% in Sunday evening trading, vaulting above $100 a barrel for the first time since war in Europe rattled energy markets in 2022," The Wall Street Journal reports. Trump stated yesterday: “Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace." He added: “ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!”
GRAHAM CLAIMS HE COACHED NETANYAHU TO PITCH WAR TO TRUMP
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said last week that he had met with Israeli Intelligence and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu several times before Trump opted into the joint U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. According to The Wall Street Journal, Graham indicated he had been "coaching" Netanyahu "on how to lobby the president for action."
TRUMP VOWS TO BLOCK BILLS UNTIL SAVE AMERICA ACT PASSES
"President Donald Trump said Sunday he will not sign any other bills until the SAVE America Act is passed and election integrity is secured," Breitbart reports.
HISTORIC FOUNDING DOCUMENTS TO TOUR NATION
As part of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, several historic American founding documents are traveling aboard a “Freedom Plane” to museums around the country. Here are the details.
POPE LEO CALLS AGAIN FOR PEACE
Pope Leo again called for peace Sunday as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran enters its second week. “We lift up our humble prayer to the Lord, so that the thunderous sound of bombs may cease, weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open up in which the voice of the people can be heard,” Pope Leo said. The Holy Father invoked the Queen of Peace to intercede for his intention.
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PLANNED PARENTHOOD COMPLAINS OF LOSSES IN 2025
Planned Parenthood recently released a report on the first year of the Trump-Vance administration, complaining that a series of policy changes and funding decisions by the administration have reduced access to abortion throughout the U.S.
PAPAL HOUSEHOLD PREACHER EXPLAINS HUMILITY
With Pope Leo in attendance, Capuchin friar Father Roberto Pasolini, the preacher of the Papal Household, on March 6 gave the first of his Lenten Sermons, addressing the theme of conversion and following Christ “on the path of humility.”
HOW TO FERTILIZE HYDRANGEAS BEFORE SPRING
Hydrangeas aren't blooming yet, but they need a nutritional boost to be ready for the spring and summer. Here's how to get started.
CATHOLIC 101
The mystical vision of Frances of Rome offers a vivid meditation on the glory and order of the heavenly court.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church honors St. Frances of Rome. She grew up wishing to become a nun, but was instead called to marriage and motherhood. From her home, she devoted herself to caring for the sick and the poor, founding an organization of Benedictine Oblates – mostly lay people. She is a patroness of widows.
DAILY PSALM
"Athirst is my soul for the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?" (Psalm 42)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
HOPE
Encouraging to see not only a cardinal taking the time to bless people, but the devotion and reverence of the young Catholics receiving his blessing.
