The LOOP
The Monday Loop - May 18, 2026
Trump Warns Iran: 'clock Is Ticking'
President Donald Trump renewed his warning to Iran yesterday, posting on Truth Social that Tehran must move "fast" or "there won't be anything left," as reports emerged he is weighing a restart of military strikes amid Iran's ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and refusal to abandon its nuclear program.
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Giuliani returns to radio show after hospitalization for pneumonia
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani returned to his radio program this week after being hospitalized earlier this month with viral pneumonia, telling listeners he was recovering and grateful for the support he received during the health scare.
Cardinal Pizzaballa calls Christians to hope amid Holy Land violence
Vatican analyst Sandro Magister says the latest pastoral letter from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, offers a spiritual roadmap for Christians living the faith amid ongoing conflict in the Holy Land.
House hearing spotlights allegations of forced organ harvesting in China
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said lawmakers heard testimony detailing the allegations that prisoners of conscience and religious minorities in China are being systematically targeted for forced organ harvesting, as he urged the Senate to advance legislation aimed at combating the practice.
DHS pushes back on claims border wall project threatens Catholic pilgrimage site
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on May 14 pushed back on a report suggesting the Trump administration’s border wall project would affect the Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage site in New Mexico, saying the planned construction work is south of the shrine and will not disrupt access for pilgrims.
Pope Leo calls for AI to serve human dignity, renews commitment to environmental care
Pope Leo XIV on May 17 warned against allowing artificial intelligence (AI) to undermine human dignity, urging communicators and technology developers to preserve authentic human relationships and truth as AI rapidly reshapes global communications.
Research finds religious involvement strongly correlates with mental health improvements
Sustained involvement with religion can dramatically improve mental health and provide a positive way of coping with stress and anxiety, according to a new report summarizing decades’ worth of investigations.
Where Beauty Begins
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Saint of the Day
Saint John I
a 6th-century Pope who worked to ease tensions between Arian and Catholic rulers and helped restore unity between the Eastern and Western Churches. He died a martyr in prison after being imprisoned by the Arian king Theodoric.
DAILY PSALM
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.Read the full passage → (opens in new tab)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
Full Readings at USCCB (opens in new tab)Catholic 101
Catholic 101
Ahead of our nation's 250th birthday, consider these lessons in faith from holy men and women of the United States.
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