The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - April 4, 2026
HOLY SATURDAY
TOP MILITARY ARCHBISHOP: IRAN WAR IS NOT JUST
Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, said yesterday that the Iran war is not a just war. Asked whether the war is just according to Catholic teaching, Archbishop Broglio answered: “I would think under the just war theory it is not.” He added, “I would line myself up with Pope Leo, who has been urging for negotiation."
US FIGHTER JET SHOT DOWN, CREW MEMBER STILL MISSING
Iranian forces shot down a U.S. F-15E fighter jet yesterday morning, prompting the two crew members to eject. U.S. search-and-rescue efforts have retrieved one crew member, and the other is still missing in Iran. Members of the rescue team were fired upon and injured. In the days leading up to the downing of the jet, President Donald Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth had repeatedly claimed Iran had lost its ability to defend against U.S. aircraft.
EXCLUSIVE
Fr. MIKE SCHMITZ ON ON NEW CONVERT SPIKE Why are so many dioceses about to receive record numbers of new converts into the Catholic Church at tonight's Easter Vigil Masses throughout the U.S.? In this interview, "The Bible in a Year" host Father Mike Schmitz tells Zeale News one factor is that people are getting tired of being cynical. “I think that there's a lot of fatigue, culturally speaking, when it comes to cynicism,” he said.
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KEY IRANIAN DIPLOMAT WOUNDED IN STRIKE ON HOME
"A joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike critically injured Kamal Kharazi, the senior Iranian diplomat reportedly coordinating back-channel negotiations to arrange a face-to-face meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Tehran’s leadership," The Daily Caller reports. The attack on Kharazi’s Tehran home killed his wife and left him "hospitalized with severe injuries."
St. PETER'S UNVEILS NEW STATIONS OF THE CROSS
In honor of the 400th anniversary of its dedication, St. Peter’s Basilica has unveiled a new series of paintings of the Way of the Cross, offering the faithful a new way to contemplate Christ’s Passion through sacred art.
POPE LEO CARRIES CROSS AT STATIONS
Under the shadow of the ancient arches of the Colosseum in Rome, thousands of faithful gathered as Pope Leo led the annual Way of the Cross, or Via Crucis, on Good Friday, tracing the path of Christ through suffering, silence, and prayer. The Pontiff carried the cross himself throughout the procession.
NORBERTINES AND MOMS
A cloistered Norbertine monastery in California has quietly become a source of encouragement for mothers around the world after viral social media posts said the nuns rise each night to pray specifically for mothers awake with their children — a practice often described online as a “Holy Hour for moms.”
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THE FIRST COMMUNION GIFT EVERY CHILD NEEDS
Before they receive Jesus, give them wonder. “The Glory of God” calms fears about Confession and fills children with excitement for the Eucharist. Joyful, faith-filled, and powerfully endorsed by Relevant Radio CEO Fr. Rocky and Bishop Gruss — this is more than a book. It’s a foundation for holiness.
THE MISSING VIRTUE IN THE MOMMY WARS
The internet is hardly conducive to productive arguments. But the extreme opinions of the "mommy wars" share a deeper problem: They ignore prudence, the virtue that enables parents to make wise decisions for their families.
FOSTERING WONDER IN DAY-TO-DAY LIFE
The rhythms and routines of life can pull you away from the moments and experiences that make life worth living. So how do we ensure that life retains its beauty?
EASTER DINNER MENU
A simple, symbolic Easter menu centers on a Paschal feast — like lamb and seasonal dishes — making it easy to celebrate the Resurrection with beauty and meaning.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today is Holy Saturday, when Catholics hold vigil after the death of Our Lord and await His Resurrection. Yesterday, the Preacher of the Papal Household offered a fitting reflection on what Jesus accomplished by embodying the "suffering servant" foreseen by the prophet Isaiah.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
"Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth." (Psalm 104)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
SUNDAY'S PSALM
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." (Psalm 118)
SUNDAY'S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO TRIVIA
Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
DON'T MISS
The Shroud of Turin might be the single most explosive piece of evidence for the Resurrection… and scientists still can’t explain it. On the newest episode of The Deep, Bob Rucker is back to go deeper than ever, and challenge everything you thought you knew. Check it out now on Zeale.
