The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - October 17, 2026
POPE LEO SPEAKS ON PHONE WITH PUTIN FROM HOSPITAL
Pope Leo XIV, who continues to recover from his lung surgery in the hospital, had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin Oct. 16 expressing concern for a grave humanitarian situation faced in a Russian-occupied Ukrainian city. The Holy Father called for a ceasefire to allow food and medical assistance to be delivered and for civilians to have access to a safe evacuation of the city.
3 CHILDREN, TEACHER KILLED IN OREGON SCHOOL SHOOTING
Three children and a teacher were killed at an Oregon elementary school before a bystander, whose daughters attend the school, fatally shot the teenage gunman. In the wake of the tragedy, Catholic archbishops offered prayers for the victims and assured grieving families of the Church’s support. “We entrust those who have died to the loving mercy of Jesus Christ,” the archbishop of Portland said. “May He embrace the grieving families and bring comfort to all who are suffering.”
TEXAS BISHOP RESPONDS TO TALARICO ABORTION EXCHANGE
The bishop of Fort Worth weighed in after a Catholic voter challenged Senate nominee James Talarico’s claim that the Bible is silent on abortion. “The right to life is the premier moral issue because all human rights depend upon the human person being alive,” Bishop Michael Olson said.
CRITIC SAYS BILL TO ABOLISH DHS ‘DEFIES REALITY’
A Heritage Foundation immigration expert is criticizing the recently introduced Reimagining Safety Act for defying reality and human nature. The bill would abolish ICE, CBP, and DHS; release detained immigrants within six months; and bar deportations without a joint resolution of Congress.
DOJ SUES CALIFORNIA OVER ALLEGED NON-CITIZENS ON VOTER ROLLS
According to an Oct. 15 federal lawsuit, California election officials refused to verify the citizenship of more than 20,000 registered voters that the Department of Homeland Security identified as likely non-citizens. As a result, the Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit to ensure that non-citizens’ illegal votes are not counted.
WISCONSIN DEMOCRAT SAYS DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TOP PRIORITY
JoCasta Zamarripa, the Democratic nominee for Wisconsin secretary of state, says her top priority if elected is convincing a governor to sign legislation granting driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. She hopes gubernatorial nominee David Crowley will sign the legislation she sponsored, while his rival Republican Tom Tiffany calls the idea “insanity.”
FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS DEFIANT STATE DEPARTMENT TO RESTART ‘GREEN CARD LOTTERY’ PROGRAM
U.S. District Judge Jinsook Ohta, an appointee of former president Joe Biden, ordered in a preliminary injunction that the State Department open applications for the Diversity Immigrant Visa program, which annually awards legal permanent resident status to more than 50,000 foreign nationals.
AD: GET GREAT VALUE BY SUPPORTING YOUR VALUES
Supporting the pro-life movement can save you big by joining the pro-life phone company trusted by people just like you. SEE HOW
OHIO BISHOP JOINS PRO-LIFE PRAYER CAMPAIGN
Bishop Earl Fernandes joined local faithful outside a Columbus Planned Parenthood this week, leading the rosary for the preborn and their mothers. The vigil was part of the fall 40 Days for Life campaign in Franklin County, where an average of 12 abortions are committed daily. “Law may refuse to recognize the dignity and right to life of the child in the womb,” Bishop Fernandes previously said, “but we cannot be indifferent to the reality.”
TYSON FURY’S ACCIDENTAL APOSTOLATE
Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s fame in the ring and on reality TV offers a surprisingly compelling advocacy for faith, marriage, and fatherhood, even if that wasn’t, and isn’t, the intention.
CATHOLIC 101
As Emily Stimpson Chapman released her new children's Bible, things started to break in the house. "Satan is trying to stop you... It's spiritual warfare..." came the well-meaning suggestions. But Emily warns about thinking like this. While the devil is absolutely real, present, and powerful, we also don't want to fall into a Satan-dominant mindset.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Ignatius of Antioch is one of the most important voices in early Christianity because he stands near enough to the apostolic age to preserve its tone.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
“You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.” (Psalm 8)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
SUNDAY'S PSALM
"Give the Lord glory and honor.” (Psalm 96)
SUNDAY'S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO TRIVIA
Predella
NEW EPISODE
Pride flags and hijabs: America’s most bizarre political alliance? Erika unpacks the “red-green” marriage joining progressives and Islamist leaders, the history behind Islam’s expansion, and what’s really happening here. Is this coalition a temporary grab for votes, or something bigger? The latest episode of The Deep is out now on Zeale. WATCH ON ZEALE
THE FIGHT FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE DOESN’T END IN NOVEMBER
The midterm elections are a critical opportunity to defend the principles that have shaped our nation. But CatholicVote’s work to educate, equip, and mobilize Catholic voters continues long after Election Day. Become a Champion with a monthly gift of $10 or more and provide the steady support CatholicVote needs to carry this mission forward. JOIN THE FIGHT
