The LOOP
The Monday Loop - July 13, 2026
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM DIES AT 71
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died Saturday after a sudden cardiovascular emergency. The longtime Judiciary Committee leader is remembered for rallying support behind Justice Brett Kavanaugh, for championing pro-life legislation, and for his controversial foreign policy positions.
US LAUNCHES MORE STRIKES ON IRAN AS CEASEFIRE UNRAVELS
U.S. forces launched another round of strikes against Iran Sunday, after Saturday's bombardment hit roughly 140 targets in retaliation for an attack on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran answered with missile and drone attacks on Gulf nations hosting U.S. forces.
POPE LEO: 'WINDS OF WAR' ARE BLOWING ONCE AGAIN
Pope Leo XIV warned after Sunday's Angelus that "the winds of war are blowing once again" across the Middle East, Ukraine, and elsewhere. The Holy Father urged the world not to lose hope and renewed his appeal for dialogue and diplomacy as the only path to a just and lasting peace.
ARMED SETTLERS DETAIN US CONGRESSMAN IN WEST BANK
Armed Israeli settlers detained Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and his delegation during a West Bank fact-finding visit, surrounding their van with American-made rifles. Khanna said Israeli soldiers initially sided with the masked gunmen before police intervened, deepening tensions between the Netanyahu government and Washington.
MCCONNELL REVEALS CAUSE OF MYSTERY HOSPITAL STAY
Republican Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell said Sunday that a fall linked to his post-polio condition left him unconscious and hospitalized, and that he later developed pneumonia. Doctors ruled out a heart attack, stroke, fractures, tumors, and hemorrhaging, but McConnell said he is not yet ready to return to the Senate floor.
MARK HOUCK TO JOIN CATHOLICVOTE FOR LIVE Q&A
CatholicVote Champions can join an exclusive livestream Q&A Wednesday with Catholic father and pro-life advocate Mark Houck, who was acquitted and ultimately secured a settlement exceeding $1 million after the Biden Justice Department prosecuted him under the FACE Act.
POLICE PROBE MURDER OF CATHOLIC EX-LAWMAKER ANN WIDDECOMBE
British police arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder after former Conservative lawmaker Ann Widdecombe, a prominent Catholic convert and outspoken defender of Church teaching, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Devon. Authorities said they currently have no evidence of a political motive.
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CATHOLIC GROUP AIDS 40,000 VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS
Caritas Venezuela has assisted 40,000 survivors of last month's devastating earthquakes, mobilizing more than 3,000 volunteers to distribute food, water, medicine, hygiene kits, and emergency supplies across hard-hit communities.
LOUISIANA BISHOP BARS ATTENDANCE AT SSPX LITURGIES
Bishop Michael Duca of Baton Rouge told Catholics they may no longer receive sacraments from SSPX clergy or attend their liturgies, "even for purely devotional reasons," after the society consecrated four bishops without papal permission and incurred excommunication.
BRING BACK THE ROAMING, WILD, AND FREE CHILDHOOD
Children increasingly spend their days indoors, online, and under close adult supervision — but free, unstructured play helps them build social skills, resilience, and independence. Here's why parents should consider giving kids more room to roam.
CATHOLIC 101
Goals can give life purpose and direction, but relentless productivity can leave us climbing a ladder set against the wrong wall. Here's how prayer and discernment keep achievement ordered toward love of God and neighbor.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church honors St. Henry II, the Holy Roman Emperor who promoted Church reform, fought simony, supported the liturgy, and remained faithfully devoted to his wife, St. Cunigunde.
DAILY PSALM
“To the upright I will show the saving power of God.” (Psalm 50)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
YOUR INVITATION IS WAITING
Join CatholicVote's Champions on Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. Eastern for an exclusive interview and Q&A with pro-life advocate Mark Houck, hosted by CatholicVote VP of Advocacy Josh Mercer. Not a Champion yet? Become one today with a monthly gift of $10 or more to unlock access to this important event while helping strengthen CatholicVote's mission all year long.
