LOOP: Vance calls on Americans to pray for lasting peace in Gaza

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 - FEAST OF POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II VANCE: PRAY TO 'PRINCE OF PEACE' FOR GAZA DEAL  Vice President JD Vance said at a press conference in Israel yesterday that the U.S.-brokered plan to end the violence in Gaza is "going better than I expected," even amid renewed clashes. He also called on Christians to pray to Jesus Christ under His title "Prince of Peace," asking Him to "work a miracle in this region of the world."  READ FACTS CONTRADICT PAROLIN CLAIM ON PERSECUTION IN NIGERIA  The Holy See's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin this week suggested that the violence against Christians in Nigeria is not a matter of Islamists targeting Christians but merely a series of conflicts stemming from non-religious disputes. But according to facts gathered by the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), the claim that Christians are not targeted for persecution is a "myth."  READ ARCHBISHOP REBUKES ARMY FOR CANCELING CHAPEL CONTRACTS  Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese of Military Services has denounced the United States Army's cancellation of a sweeping number of on-base religious education coordinators' chapel contracts, arguing the move was an intolerable infringement on the free exercise of religion for Catholics in the Army.  READ AD: SAVE UNBORN LIVES AND SAVE MONEY WITH CHARITY MOBILE!  When you switch your cell phone service to Charity Mobile, 5% of your monthly plan price supports the life-saving work of your favorite pro-life charity. All monthly plans are under $50 before taxes and surcharges, including Unlimited, and you can save even more with every line you add! Plus, every new line gets a free phone offer with promo code LOOP. LEARN MORE WHITE HOUSE GOES BACK ON PLANNED PUTIN MEETING  Days after President Donald Trump announced plans to meet soon with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, a senior White House official told NBC News this week that the two leaders will not be meeting in the near future.  READ YOUNG HOLY LAND CATHOLICS ATTEND RETREAT IN JERUSALEM  Less than a week after the first phase of the Hamas-Israel peace plan began, young Catholics from Galilee and Jerusalem found spiritual renewal and rest at a retreat over the weekend that had been delayed by the war. Participants spent time with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the Shrine of Our Lady in Deir Rafat, Jerusalem.  READ ANALYSIS: DEMS UNLIKELY TO ENJOY COMEBACK IN 2026 After hitting record lows this year in public opinion, the Democratic Party may not be able to recover in the 2026 midterm elections, according to a recent analysis at USA Today. READ AD: ACCESS 7 CATHOLIC MUTUAL FUNDS  With religious values guided by prominent Catholics, including Coach Lou Holtz, Callista Gingrich, and Michael Knowles. GET INFORMATION TODAY CARDINAL BURKE DEBUNKS FAKE VIDEOS OF HIMSELF  Cardinal Raymond Burke yesterday denounced AI-generated videos falsely portraying him rebuking Pope Leo, calling them deceptive and sinful manipulations meant to sow division within the Church.  READ FALLING BIRTHRATE LINKED TO FALLING RELIGIOSITY The falling U.S. birth rate, which hit an all-time low in 2024, is tied to a decline in religiosity, according to an expert analysis of national polling. READ NOT TO BE MISSED...  Here are the stories we couldn't fit in today's LOOP: •    The U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom is warning that torture is used against religious groups worldwide. READ •    An Idaho judge has denied a male athlete's request to end his lawsuit against the state's law protecting women's sports. READ •    Michigan's bishops recently praised the state budget for supporting moms and babies.  READ 10 LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT TODAY'S SAINT  Pope Saint John Paul II is widely beloved, but there's a lot that people don't know about him. His feast day today is a great chance to learn more about this holy man. Here are 10 little-known facts to help you get to know him better!  READ CATHOLIC 101  Scott Hahn, a former Protestant, gives St. John Paul II partial credit for his own conversion. The saint had "genius-level intelligence, profound poetic sensibilities, charm and affability, telegenic good looks, steely toughness, and perfect comedic timing," Hahn recently wrote. Those characteristics were what first attracted many to Catholicism. But reflecting on the late Pope's legacy, Hahn found something much deeper.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Born as Karol J. Wojtyla in Poland, St. John Paul II (1920-2005) served as pope from 1978 until his death in 2005. His was among the most remarkable pontificates in modern history. Leaving us with countless encyclicals and books full of wisdom, he continues to influence the Church to this day. In addition to his prolific writings, John Paul II also connected with the Catholic youth in a unique way. READ DAILY PSALM  "Our help is in the name of the Lord." (Psalm 124)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ JPII'S MESSAGE TO AMERICA  These words of St. John Paul II can't be repeated enough!  WATCH & SHARE Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127