The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - July 1, 2026

'PLEASE TURN BACK': POPE LEO WRITES PERSONAL PLEA TO SSPX

The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) could proceed today with episcopal ordinations the Vatican has said will constitute a schismatic act. Pope Leo XIV personally wrote to SSPX Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani urging him to stand down, pleading "with all my heart: please turn back" and warning that to "tear the seamless garment of Christ is a sin of extreme gravity."

27 STATES ALLOWED TO BAR MEN FROM WOMEN'S SPORTS

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 yesterday that states may reserve women's and girls' sports for only females under the 14th Amendment and Title IX, upholding laws in Idaho and West Virginia and setting a precedent for similar laws in 27 states. "May schools determine eligibility for women's and girls' sports based on biological sex?" Justice Kavanaugh wrote for the majority. "The answer is yes."

SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN TRUMP'S BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ORDER

The Supreme Court blocked President Donald Trump's executive order that would have required at least one parent to be a citizen or lawful permanent resident, ruling yesterday that the 14th Amendment guarantees automatic citizenship to nearly all children born on U.S. soil.

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RFK BRINGS BACK THE PRESIDENTIAL FITNESS TEST FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the Trump administration is restoring the Presidential Fitness Test — first introduced under President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s and phased out under Obama — with schools nationwide set to begin administering it this fall. Kennedy cited a growing childhood health crisis, noting that nearly one in five American children is overweight or obese and 77% of young Americans are ineligible for military service.

THE WEIGHT FOUNDERS CARRY GETS LIGHTER IN THE RIGHT ROOM

You’re building a Catholic business in modern culture…sometimes it’s heavy and lonely. SENT Summit gathers 500+ Catholic founders, CEOs, and investors who understand the weight. Three days of strategic sessions, daily Mass, confession, and friendships that outlast the event. Denver. Sept 8–11, 2026. JOIN THE ROOM

TRUMP RELIGIOUS LIBERTY COMMISSION RELEASES DRAFT REPORT

Trump's Religious Liberty Commission released a 224-page draft report calling for stronger protections for religious Americans in schools, healthcare, the military, and public life, warning that faith is "far too often" treated "not as a protected and valued contribution to public life, but as a problem or annoyance to be managed." The report includes 12 recommendations and is open for public comment until July 12.

AMERICA NEEDS FAITHFUL NEWMAN GUIDE CATHOLIC EDUCATION

America 250 is a wake-up call: If our nation is to endure as that “shining city upon a hill,” faithful education that forms young people in wisdom, virtue, and truth is critical. Learn how Newman Guide education can help restore American culture in this free e-book from The Cardinal Newman Society—with a featured essay by Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts. LEARN HOW TO RENEW AMERICA

SSPX RESPONDS TO POPE LEO: 'PLEASE GIVE US YOUR BLESSING'

The Society of St. Pius X Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani responded yesterday to Pope Leo's personal appeal to cancel today's ordinations, saying the society does not want to separate from Rome but believes the ordinations are its duty. He asked the Pope for "a gesture of understanding." "It is not yet too late," Father Pagliarani wrote, closing with a request for the Pope's blessing.

A CENTURY LATER, MEXICO'S CRISTERO MARTYRS ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

One hundred years after Mexico's Cristero Counterrevolution began, a Catholic priest is urging the faithful to remember the faithful who died defending the Church against government persecution — a history rarely taught in Mexican or American schools.

EASY CHERRY CHEESECAKE

This cherry cheesecake only takes 5 ingredients, but it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

CATHOLIC 101

While most Catholics know the "Hail Mary" prayer from a young age, few know the "Hail Joseph" prayer. Read here to learn more about the origin of this beautiful prayer to Jesus' earthly father.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church celebrates St. Junípero Serra, the “Apostle of California,” a Franciscan missionary who left academic life to proclaim the Gospel, found missions, and serve Native communities with perseverance and prayer.

DAILY PSALM

"To the upright I will show the saving power of God." (Psalm 50)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

SURF'S UP

Can a Midwesterner survive Southern California surf culture? Tom hits the beach to discover why surfing is central to California’s identity and why it's more than just a hobby. Watch the latest episode of Tom Across America, now on Zeale. WATCH

THIS MOMENT MATTERS

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