The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - May 9, 2026
RUBIO COMMENTS ON MEETING WITH POPE
Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday said his May 7 meeting with Pope Leo XIV was “very good” and revealed he had briefed the Vatican on the Trump administration’s view of the threat posed by Iran. The U.S. meanwhile is still awaiting a response from Iran on a 14-point agreement that would ease tensions and carve out a 30-day negotiation period.
VIRGINIA SUPREME COURT NIXES DEM-BACKED DISTRICTING
In a major victory for Republicans, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down a Democratic-backed constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting, nullifying the results of the April 21 special election and preserving the state’s existing congressional maps for the 2026 midterms and beyond.
WHAT TO MAKE OF EXTRATERRESTRIAL 'REVELATIONS'
As the Pentagon released a first batch of declassified files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial activity yesterday, Catholic scholar Joshua Charles encouraged fellow Catholics to approach claims about the "disclosure" of “non-human intelligence” through the lens of Church teaching.
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POPE LEO STILL CALLS HIS BROTHER ALMOST EVERY DAY
One year into his pontificate, Pope Leo still calls his brother John Prevost nearly daily to talk family and daily life, play Words with Friends online, and "get out of the role" — Prevost said. "We miss each other. I think very much he misses his family."
NEW YORK OPTS IN TO TRUMP SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAM
New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said this week that her state will opt in to the national school choice program created under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The program is set to launch in 2027.
COURAGE CALLS OUT PRO-LGBT SEGMENT IN VATICAN REPORT
A Catholic apostolate that serves people who struggle with same-sex attraction denounced a passage in a Vatican document that cited the testimony of a man in a so-called "gay marriage" who criticized the group and accused it of promoting "reparative therapy."
CV HONORED FOR COLORADO CHILD-PROTECTION EFFORT
CatholicVote received the Strategic Alliance Partner Award from Protect Kids Colorado on May 7 for its leading role in helping qualify three child-protection initiatives for Colorado’s November 2026 ballot.
LEMON BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE
This bright, springy coffee cake is layered with blueberry jam and fresh blueberries, and topped with brown sugar streusel — the perfect recipe to have ready for Mother's Day brunch this weekend.
YOUR GUIDE TO THOUGHTFUL GRAD GIFTS
This guide offers thoughtful, intentional ideas for the graduate in your life, from a curated book collection to the practical appliances that actually make adult life easier.
CATHOLIC 101
Pope Leo marked the first anniversary of his pontificate by visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, where he described the Rosary as "a Marian appearance, but a Christological and Eucharistic heart."
SAINT OF THE DAY
St. Pachomius was a convert to Christianity and founded the first organized monasteries for Christians seeking a life of prayer and sacrifice in community. His rule for religious life became the foundation for later monastic traditions and influenced St. Benedict.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
"Let all the earth cry out to God with joy." (Psalm 100)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
SUNDAY'S PSALM
"Let all the earth cry out to God with joy." (Psalm 66)
SUNDAY'S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO TRIVIA
The answer is only one! Pope Leo XIV is the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to become pope.
DON'T MISS
What happens when truth becomes uncomfortable even inside the Church? On the latest episode of The Deep, Fr. Ambrose Criste and Erika discuss faith, confusion, courage, and the challenges Catholics face in modern America. Full experience now available on Zeale.
