THURSDAY, APRIL 16

TRUMP TO POPE LEO: IRAN HAS KILLED 42,000 PROTESTERS In a second Truth Social message directed at the Pope, Trump doubled down on his criticism, saying Pope Leo should consider the Iranian regime's killing of tens of thousands of protesters before opposing the war. READ

TRUMP SAYS WAR 'VERY CLOSE TO BEING OVER' Trump told Fox Business he believes Iran "wants to make a deal very badly," while the White House called talks "productive and ongoing." Iran is now threatening to block all commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea if the U.S. blockade continues. READ

POPE LEO ARRIVES IN CAMEROON Continuing his 11-day African journey, Pope Leo met with Cameroon's president, addressed government officials, and visited a Catholic orphanage — urging leaders to serve rather than dominate, invoking St. Augustine's call to servant leadership. READ

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US BISHOPS' DOCTRINE CHIEF RESPONDS TO VANCE'S 'JUST WAR' COMMENTS Bishop James Massa issued a clarification of Catholic teaching on war and the pope’s authority after Vice President JD Vance suggested Pope Leo XIV should be “careful” when speaking about theological matters, including the Church’s just war theory. READ

JD VANCE'S 6-YEAR-OLD SON BAPTIZED CATHOLIC ON EASTER SUNDAY Vivek Vance received the sacrament of Baptism on Easter Sunday, as his father continues raising the children in the Catholic faith. Vance has said he hopes his wife Usha, who comes from a Hindu background, will one day come to share it. READ

CATHOLIC LEADERS WORLDWIDE RALLY BEHIND POPE LEO AFTER TRUMP'S REMARKS Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly called Trump's comments "disparaging" and reaffirmed the Knights' solidarity with the Pope, while bishops, religious orders, and Catholic public figures across the U.S. and around the world added their voices in support. READ

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CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY TAPS PELOSI AS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER: SHE 'REFLECTS' SCHOOL 'VALUES' Notre Dame de Namur University in California announced Nancy Pelosi will address its 2026 graduating class, calling her a reflection of the school's values despite her longstanding support for abortion and being denied the Eucharist by her own archbishop. READ

PRO-LIFE FATHER WINS $1.1M LAWSUIT OVER BIDEN-ERA FACE ACT ARREST Armed FBI agents raided Mark Houck's Pennsylvania home over a FACE Act charge after he defended his 12-year-old son from a Planned Parenthood escort during a 40 Days for Life campaign. A jury acquitted him in 2023 — and now the DOJ has settled for $1.1 million. READ

NOT TO BE MISSED... Here are the stories we couldn't fit in today's LOOP

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating Lululemon over possible “forever chemicals” in its clothing, while the company says it phased them out in 2023. READ
A new mom shared about her unexpected pregnancy in testimony against California abortion bill. READ
PragerU is launching an effort to take on what it calls the 'Scholastic book fair monopoly.' READ

HOST A FIRST COMMUNION PARTY WITHOUT THE STRESS Planning a First Communion celebration? This guide walks you through a simple, spring-inspired menu, budget-friendly décor, and easy hosting tips to help you create a joyful, meaningful gathering without overcomplicating the day. READ

CATHOLIC 101 This reflection on the 40 days after the Resurrection imagines the apostles simply being with the risen Christ, healing, remembering, and learning to rest in His mercy like waves carrying them into peace. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY After her visions at Lourdes made her world-famous, St. Bernadette Soubirous endured scrutiny from civil authorities, skepticism from onlookers, and pressure from Church leaders to defend her account of the apparitions. She lived a hidden life of prayer and suffering as a religious sister until her death at 35. READ

DAILY PSALM "The Lord hears the cry of the poor." (Psalm 34) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

NEW EPISODE What if cooking could bring you closer to the people you love? Join Cecilia Jean and author Mary Lenaburg as they explore food as a path to connection, memory, and meaning on the latest episode of Flourish. Now streaming on Zeale. WATCH