The LOOP

The Tuesday Loop - October 13, 2026

TRUMP REPORTEDLY RETHINKS FORT HOOD SHOOTER’S EXECUTION LIVESTREAM

Reports indicate that President Donald Trump has privately expressed “misgivings” about the Pentagon’s plan to livestream the Dec. 3 execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad, according to Axios. The initial announcement to livestream the execution has been condemned by Catholic leaders including Archbishop Paul Coakley and Military Services Archbishop Timothy Broglio. In an Oct. 10 X post, Pope Leo XIV described the death penalty as inadmissible.

VIRGINIA BISHOP: DEFEND UNBORN LIFE, VOTE ‘NO’ ON PRO-ABORTION AMENDMENT

Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout urged Virginians to reject the state’s pro-abortion amendment Nov. 3, calling a “no” vote “clear Christian witness” and defending the Church’s opposition as a moral responsibility.

HHS LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES TO NEW MOTHERS

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched the next phase of a federal program providing newborn and postpartum essentials to families, including diapers, breastfeeding supplies, and maternal health resources.

AD: GET A COMPLIMENTARY INVESTMENT SCREENING

To defund the abortion industry, Arimathea Investing is on a mission to give every Catholic in America a free investment screening. Join the movement matching Catholic money with Catholic values. No purchase or advisory relationship is required. Screening is not intended to promote any specific investment strategy. REQUEST FREE INFORMATIONAL SCREENING

FEDERAL OFFICIALS PROBE REP. ILHAN OMAR’S HOME

Federal agents searched Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington, D.C., home in a criminal investigation reportedly involving alleged immigration fraud tied to documents her father completed during her childhood. In comments to Zeale News, a former U.S. consul general explained what investigators could examine and when Omar could bear responsibility.

POLL: MAJORITY OF VOTERS FEAR DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS WINNING ELECTIONS

Just weeks away from November’s midterm elections, a new survey has found that 55% of voters worry that Democratic Socialist candidates running on the Democratic Party ticket may win their elections.

REPORT: TRUMP CRITICS APPROVED WILES’ PHONE MONITORING

Two federal judges who later criticized Trump administration actions approved monitoring of Susie Wiles’ phone contacts in 2023, Just the News reported, citing newly unsealed records from Jack Smith’s classified documents investigation.

AD: JOIN NOW TO PRAY & FAST FOR OUR WORLD, NOV 14-22!

Join the 34th International Week of Prayer & Fasting (IWOPF) to intercede for Peace. Our Lady says, “Through fasting and prayer, one can stop wars.” The official Pilgrim relic of St. Carlo Acutis will be available for Veneration at the Opening Day of Prayer (Nov. 14) at the Basilica in Washington, DC. Free Admission & Livestream. RSVP TO PRAY AND FAST

POPE LEO’S HOSPITAL STAY SET FOR OCT 13-20

Pope Leo XIV is entering a hospital in Rome Oct. 13 for surgery after doctors found a small, localized nodule in his lung. All papal audiences from Oct. 13-20 have been canceled; the Holy Father will remain in the hospital during this time. Prayers have continued to pour in from around the world for a successful surgery and recovery.

MILITARY ARCHBISHOP: CATHOLICS ON FIRING SQUAD SHOULD REQUEST TO BE EXCUSED

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, issued a statement this week criticizing the Pentagon’s plan to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan and calling on any Catholics involved in the task to request an exemption from carrying out the task. “As I would in the case of a procured abortion,” he said, “I oblige any Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request to be excused from this action contrary to the teaching of the Church.”

SOUPS FOR FALL

Cooler temps call for cozy meals. A pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove will fill your home with the comforting smells and warmth of the season. Here are four low-prep, nutritious fall soups with easy adaptations for whatever you have handy, whether you are looking for a quick and filling fall dinner or an all-day labor of love.

CATHOLIC 101

As AI reshapes a health care system increasingly driven by efficiency, algorithms, and profit, Bishop James Conley says Catholic medicine has a “massive opportunity” to offer an alternative — restoring personal care and the love of Christ to the center of medicine.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today, the Church celebrates the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. Appearing to the visionary children in Fatima, Portugal, Our Lady brought a renewed call to prayer, repentance, and trust in God, a message that continues to draw Catholics closer to Christ through the Blessed Mother.

DAILY PSALM

“Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.” (Psalm 119)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

EL LAZO

Know someone who prefers their news en español? Share, the Spanish-language edition of The LOOP, bringing the latest news and a Catholic perspective to Spanish-speaking readers. SUBSCRIBE

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

Real change begins when faithful Catholics take action. As a Champion, your monthly support helps CatholicVote defend life, protect religious freedom, educate voters, and equip Catholics to make a difference where it matters most. Join today with a monthly gift of $10 or more. JOIN THE CLUB