WEEKEND LOOP: Pope blasts 'blasphemy of war' as peace talks start

WEEKEND LOOP SATURDAY APRIL 11  NEGOTIATIONS TO END IRAN WAR BEGIN TODAY  Vice President JD Vance told reporters that he expects a “positive” outcome as he departed for Islamabad, Pakistan, where he will lead the U.S. delegation in peace negotiations with Iran. Tensions remain high amid a fragile ceasefire that began April 8, with Iranian officials expressing distrust of the U.S. and President Donald Trump brusquely reminding Iranian officials they are only alive at his pleasure. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser SATURDAY, APRIL 11 NEGOTIATIONS TO END IRAN WAR BEGIN TODAY  Vice President JD Vance told reporters that he expects a “positive” outcome as he departed for Islamabad, Pakistan, where he will lead the U.S. delegation in peace negotiations with Iran. Tensions remain high amid a fragile ceasefire that began April 8, with Iranian officials expressing distrust of the U.S. and President Donald Trump brusquely reminding Iranian officials they are only alive at his pleasure.  READ POPE ISSUES NEW REBUKE OF WAR, PLANS PRAYER VIGIL  Pope Leo XIV yesterday gave his sharpest rebuke of the war yet, stating that “God does not bless any conflict" and decrying the “senseless and inhuman" violence and "blasphemy" of war. “No cause can justify the shedding of innocent blood," he said. He has called on the faithful worldwide to participate in a prayer vigil today starting at noon Eastern, coinciding with peace talks between the U.S. and Iran.  READ VANCE ANTI-FRAUD TASK FORCE NABS ALLEGED HOSPICE SCAMMERS  Federal prosecutors have charged 15 people in Southern California in connection with a wide-ranging scheme that allegedly defrauded Medicare of more than $50 million through sham hospice operations.  READ AD: WHEN CHOOSING A NEW CELL PHONE COMPANY, CHOOSE LIFE!  Charity Mobile is the pro-life cell phone company! 5% of your monthly plan price supports the life-saving work of your favorite pro-life, pro-family charity. Get the same nationwide coverage as the major carriers, low monthly plan prices, and live customer service based in the USA when you switch. Every new line gets a free phone offer with promo code LOOP!  LEARN MORE RUBIO: CATHOLICISM IS INTEGRAL TO THE US  Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a virtual address to a conference at the Catholic University of America arguing that Catholicism is not a late addition or outlier in the American story, but one of its deepest civilizational roots – and one that will remain essential as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.  READ NEW DETAILS ON POPE'S VISIT TO AFRICA  The Vatican has unveiled new details on Pope Leo’s April trip to Africa, his longest journey yet, with stops in four countries. The tour will focus on peace, migration, and the Church’s role across a region facing conflict and change.  READ HERO: PRINCIPAL SHOT TACKLING GUNMAN, SAVES STUDENTS  Kirk Moore, an Oklahoma high school principal, was shot in the leg after tackling a gunman who opened fire on campus, helping stop the attacker and preventing any students from being injured. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt praised Moore for his bravery.  READ JUDGE PAUSES CASE FOR IN-PERSON ABORTION PILL SAFEGUARDS  A federal judge has paused Louisiana’s lawsuit seeking to restore in-person safeguards for abortion pills. The move keeps mail-order access in place for now, but the judge signaled the state is “likely to succeed,” setting up a legal fight.  READ AD: THE FIRST COMMUNION GIFT EVERY CHILD NEEDS  Before they receive Jesus, give them wonder. “The Glory of God” calms fears about Confession and fills children with excitement for the Eucharist. Joyful, faith-filled, and powerfully endorsed by Relevant Radio CEO Fr. Rocky and Bishop Gruss — this is more than a book. It’s a foundation for holiness.  ORDER TODAY GET A PLENARY INDULGENCE THIS WEEKEND  Since 2000, the Catholic Church has celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday on the first Sunday after Easter. A reminder to the faithful that God is constantly calling humanity to reconciliation with Himself, the feast gives the faithful an opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence. Here's what you need to know.  READ WHAT THE DIVINE MERCY IMAGE CAN TEACH US  An Archdiocese of Los Angeles auxiliary bishop says the Divine Mercy image sheds light on why St. John the Evangelist “saw and believed” at Jesus’ empty tomb.  READ HOW TO CELEBRATE EVERY SUNDAY OF EASTER  Easter isn’t just one day. It’s a 50-day celebration! This guide walks through each Sunday of Eastertide with simple ways families can keep the joy going, from Divine Mercy devotions to Pentecost celebrations.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  After confronting a tyrant king over grave moral abuses, St. Stanislaus of Kraków was murdered at the altar while celebrating Mass. His death helped shape Poland’s Catholic identity and remains a powerful example of courage in the face of corruption.  READ SATURDAY'S PSALM  "I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me." (Psalm 118)  READ SATURDAY'S READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ SUNDAY'S PSALM  "Give thanks to the LORD for he is good, his love is everlasting." (Psalm 118)  READ SUNDAY'S READINGS  Sunday's Mass readings.  READ ANSWER TO TRIVIA  The Second Sunday of Easter has several names: Low Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday, Quasimodo Sunday, and Bright Sunday or White Sunday. DON'T MISS  179,000 sisters… down to just 33,000. What happened? On the latest episode of The Deep, Erika uncovers the shocking 82% collapse of America’s Catholic sisters, exploring the hidden forces behind it and why there's hope. Check it out now on Zeale.  WATCH Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization, PO Box 3310, Carmel, IN 46082 (317) 669-6127 Unsubscribe Manage preferences