LOOP: Senate committee questions Brian Burch

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 VATICAN AMBASSADOR NOMINEE FIELDS SENATE QUESTIONS  Brian Burch, President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as Vatican ambassador, responded to questions about religious persecution, USAID cuts, and the relationship between the Vatican and the Chinese Communist Party during a Senate confirmation hearing yesterday. READ TRUMP HITS CHINA WITH 104% TARIFFS Trump quickly raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a massive 104% last night, setting off a wave of negotiation requests from other nations. "It was a mistake for China to retaliate," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. "When America is punched, he punches back harder." READ EXECUTIVE ORDER AIMS TO BOOST COAL INDUSTRY  The president signed an executive order yesterday aimed at reviving the US coal industry, framing it as a move toward energy independence and economic strength. "We're ending Joe Biden's war on beautiful, clean coal once and for all," Trump said. "We're going to put the miners back to work." READ AD: LENTEN LESSONS: WHO ARE THE SHEPHERDS JESUS PROMISED TO SEND US?  In today's Lenten Lesson on the Sacraments from Relevant Radio, Fr. Rocky explains what Jesus meant and how he has fulfilled that promise ever since the Last Supper. Watch and learn more about this sacrament of Holy Orders.  WATCH FOR FREE KANSAS CITY ARCHBISHOP RETIRES  Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, the Vatican announced yesterday. Archbishop Naumann reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 earlier this year after more than 20 years of service in the archdiocese. READ PRO-LIFE GROUP ENCOURAGES ADMIN TO DEFUND ABORTION  Texas Right for Life recently commended the Trump administration for temporarily freezing funds to Planned Parenthood, but also suggested going further: "The redirection of these tens of millions of dollars away from the abortion industry is a strong first step toward fully defunding Planned Parenthood."  READ   PRO-ABORTION LAW SHAKEUP IN ILLINOIS  An Illinois federal judge on April 4 struck down one pro-abortion amendment and upheld another. According to the ruling, a state healthcare law does not require physicians to discuss the "benefits" of abortion with patients but does compel them to refer patients to abortion facilities upon request. READ SO MUCH NEWS...  Here are the stories we couldn't fit in today's LOOP: •    Anti-Christian persecution is soaring in Pakistan. READ •    How to support rural, impoverished Catholic communities in the US. READ •    Saint Veronica's veil was recently displayed in Rome. READ AD: FREE ROSARY & STICKER! Complete the prayer challenge for a special FREE gift! PRAY NOW LIBRARIES PROVIDE CONDOMS TO MINORS  Twelve public libraries in Sacramento have public displays provided by Planned Parenthood that distribute free condoms and contraceptives. The displays are in the main hubs of some of the libraries, accessible to small children. READ CHRISTIAN ARABIC MEDIA OUTLET OFFERS HOPE TO SYRIANS  Despite government censorship of many Christian programs, Arabic language channel SAT-7 USA is providing hope, support, and encouragement for the devastated Christian population in Syria and other countries in the Middle East. READ AD: UDALLAS STANDS WITH ALUMNUS BRIAN BURCH  "A man of deep Catholic faith, strong character and genuine prudence, Brian Burch is a truly outstanding selection to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. We look forward to the great work he will perform in this vitally important role, and could not be prouder of him." - UDallas President Jonathan J. Sanford. Join us in prayer for Brian. PRAY NOW CATHOLIC 101  The joy of the Cross... that doesn't sound right, does it? The Cross was a place of great pain and grief. But on the Cross there was also great love, glory, and victory. Read this fascinating reflection on how joy and sorrow are mingled in the blood of the Passion.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Today is the feast of Saint Waudu, also known as Saint Waltrude. She came from an extremely saintly family in Belgium. Her parents, her husband, and her three children were all declared saints! READ DAILY PSALM  "Glory and praise for ever!" (Daniel 3:52)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ INSPIRING "My family is the story of the American dream..." Don't miss CatholicVote co-founder and longtime President Brian Burch's opening remarks at his Senate confirmation hearing yesterday. 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