The LOOP

The Monday Loop - June 22, 2026

IRAN, US AGREE ON PLAN TO REACH FINAL DEAL IN 60 DAYS

Pakistan and Qatar, the two countries mediating talks between the U.S. and Iran, announced that the nations have formed an oversight committee and agreed to a “roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days, laying the foundation for the immediate commencement of further technical talks.” The news came after tensions flared over the weekend amid continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and a series of threatening statements against Iran from President Donald Trump.

TICKETS TO FULTON SHEEN BEATIFICATION, RELATED EVENTS

Tickets for the Sept. 24 beatification Mass of Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and events honoring his life, legacy, and missionary witness are available this week of June 22! Here are the details.

POLL: VAST MAJORITY OF AMERICANS WANT IRAN WAR ENDED

A CBS/YouGov poll concluded just ahead of the first round of negotiations in Switzerland found that 78% of Americans want the Iran war ended now, while 69% believe the United States' entry into the conflict was not worth the cost.

A GATHERING THAT SHARPENS STRATEGY & DEEPENS PRAYER

SENT was built for leaders who need both. SENT Summit gathers 500+ Catholic founders, CEOs, investors, and leaders building businesses that renew culture. Strategic conversations. Daily Mass. Adoration. Confession. A room you will not find anywhere else. Denver. Sept 8–11, 2026. SEE WHO’S COMING TO SENT SUMMIT

TRUMP-BACKED CANDIDATE WINS COLOMBIAN PRESIDENCY

Colombia's voters yesterday elected Trump-backed businessman Abelardo De La Espriella, "ending a period of left-wing rule that coincided with the country's worst security crisis in decades," Semafor reports.

WORLD CUP AND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

As the World Cup draws fans from around the globe, one Georgia parish is using the tournament to strengthen fellowship among Catholics from 29 countries and cultural backgrounds.

ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY? CATHOLICS BACK OHIO GUV'S PROPOSAL

The Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, welcomed Republican Gov. Mike DeWine's June 16 call to abolish the state's death penalty, describing the proposal as consistent with the Catholic Church's teaching on the dignity of human life.

EXORCISTS' PRAYERS: WHAT HAPPENED IN A CHARLESTON HOTEL

"What my son and I witnessed as we prayed changed how we travel." They prayed two simple prayers—developed by exorcists for the laity—but were not prepared for the events that followed. If you travel for business or vacation, have a child in a dorm, etc., these prayers should always be handy. Hear the story and get 2 FREE prayer cards with code 2cardsFREE. CLICK FOR THE STORY & 2 FREE CARDS

POPE RECOMMENDS DAILY PERIOD OF SILENT PRAYER

During his Angelus address yesterday, Pope Leo XIV suggested every Christian should strive "to set aside, amidst the commitments of our daily lives, quiet moments in which to enter into silence before God, to listen to his voice, to entrust our joys and concerns to him and to review our lives with him."

PEW RESEARCH: RELIGIOUS HOSTILITY SPREADS

The number of countries experiencing high or very high levels of religious social hostility increased for the third consecutive year in 2023 (the most recent year with available data), according to a report released last week by the Pew Research Center.

RESOURCES FOR NEWLYWEDS

In a sex-obsessed culture, it can be especially difficult to prepare for marriage. We rounded up the best Catholic resources on marriage and sexuality to help answer young couples' questions.

CATHOLIC 101

In honor of Father's Day, it's worth noting that St. Thomas More, memorialized today in the Church's liturgical calendar, was not only a model of heroic virtue but a model of fatherhood as well. Here are five of Catholic history's holy men who were dads.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today is the feast of Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More, two English martyrs who gave their lives to stand for Catholicism and religious freedom under King Henry VIII. St. Thomas More is a patron saint of CatholicVote.

DAILY PSALM

"Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us." (Psalm 60)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW EPISODE

Visit the glorious hilltop abbey founded by St. Benedict. Destroyed and rebuilt four times over the centuries, Monte Cassino stands today as an enduring symbol of faith and perseverance. Check out the latest from Wander Italia now on Zeale. WATCH

WHAT WILL AMERICA LOOK LIKE 250 YEARS FROM NOW?

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