The LOOP

The Thursday Loop - March 26, 2026

ROUNDUP: WHAT HAPPENED ON DAY 26 OF IRAN WAR

Iran reportedly rejected a 15-point ceasefire plan and issued an onerous list of counterdemands. Iran's foreign minister again contradicted White House claims by insisting no talks are taking place between the two nations. Meanwhile, the United States Postal Service announced it is imposing an 8% surcharge on shipments to cover rising fuel costs due to the war, and Republican lawmakers expressed worries that President Donald Trump may be planning to put boots on the ground in Iran.

MERCER ON 'WORST WAY' TO MARK AMERICA'S 250th

Thanks to “weak” negotiations on the part of Senate Republicans, abortion giant Planned Parenthood will be celebrating the reinstatement of its taxpayer funding this 4th of July, writes CatholicVote's Joshua Mercer. “I can think of nothing more egregious for our nation’s semiquincentennial than to reinstate this funding to the largest provider of abortions in the world. Life is a gift, one that many Americans have fought and died for over the last 250 years.”

LAWMAKERS MOVE TO BLOCK VISAS FOR PERSECUTORS

A group of Republican senators are backing a bill that would deny U.S. visas to those involved in anti-Christian persecution overseas. “It is entirely unacceptable for the U.S., a nation founded on religious freedom, to welcome anyone responsible for the persecution of religious groups,” said Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., who introduced the legislation.

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GOP FACES DEM WINNING STREAK AHEAD OF NOVEMBER

Florida Democrats this week flipped two Republican-held state legislative seats, including the Palm Beach district that contains Trump's Mar-a-Lago home. The GOP defeats represented the eighth and ninth previously red seats to flip blue during Trump's current presidential term. Republicans have not managed to flip a single Democratic seat in the same period.

VATICAN SETS DATE FOR SHEEN BEATIFICATION

The Vatican announced yesterday that Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified Sept. 24, confirming what many have long believed: that one of the 20th century’s greatest American evangelists deserves to move one step closer to sainthood.

TRUMP APPROVAL HITS NEW LOW AMID WAR, ECONOMIC CONCERNS

Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a new low, with two major polls showing growing voter concern over the Iran war and rising costs. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found just 36% approval overall — and 29% on the economy — as majorities oppose the war and say it will make the U.S. less safe, while frustration over gas and living expenses continues to mount.

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POPE URGES ‘GENEROUS INCLUSION’ OF LATIN MASS CATHOLICS

Pope Leo this week called on French bishops to more fully include Catholics devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass, warning of a “painful wound” in the Church over liturgy.

EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE SETS GOAL OF 250,000 HOLY HOURS FOR US

The 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is calling on Catholics nationwide to pray 250,000 Holy Hours for the country’s renewal ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. Organizers say the prayers will be presented as a “spiritual bouquet” in Washington as the pilgrimage runs from May 24 through July 4.

ELEGANT & EASY FRENCH-INSPIRED EASTER BRUNCH MENU

Whether you're celebrating after the Easter Vigil or returning from Easter morning Mass, this brunch menu offers a delightful feast that's easy to prepare.

CATHOLIC 101

This reflection on Benedictine spirituality shows how families can cultivate holiness through simple rhythms of prayer, work, stability, and attentive listening to God in the ordinary moments of daily life.

SAINT OF THE DAY

English convert St. Margaret Clitherow was executed in 1586 after turning her home into a secret refuge for Catholic priests during the Elizabethan persecution. Refusing to deny her faith, she was pressed to death — crying out, “Jesu! Jesu! Jesu! Have mercy on me!” — and is now honored as a patroness of converts and martyrs.

DAILY PSALM

"The Lord remembers his covenant for ever." (Psalm 105)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

DEVOTION

How fitting that the Vatican announced Ven. Fulton Sheen's upcoming beatification on the Solemnity of the Annunciation! His Marian was central to his life, as anyone could see from this inspiring clip of his preaching.