LOOP: Trump says he will help choose Iran's next leader

The LOOP, FRIDAY MARCH 6 TRUMP SAYS HE WILL HELP CHOOSE IRAN'S NEXT LEADER  As the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran entered its sixth day yesterday, President Donald Trump said he must be involved in choosing the country's next supreme leader and claimed the operation is "far ahead of schedule." U.S. forces have already struck nearly 200 targets across Iran and sunk dozens of naval vessels, officials said. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser FRIDAY, MARCH 6, FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART  TRUMP SAYS HE WILL HELP CHOOSE IRAN'S NEXT LEADER  As the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran entered its sixth day yesterday, President Donald Trump said he must be involved in choosing the country's next supreme leader and claimed the operation is "far ahead of schedule." U.S. forces have already struck nearly 200 targets across Iran and sunk dozens of naval vessels, officials said.  READ NOEM OFFICIALLY OUT AS DHS SECRETARY  Trump announced yesterday that he is replacing Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security with Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, marking the first major Cabinet shake-up of his second term.  READ TRIBUTES AND STORIES FOR LOU HOLTZ  After legendary Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz died this week at 89, tributes poured in across sports, politics, and Catholic communities. Former players and public figures shared memories on social media — including his former player Jerome Bettis recalling the day Holtz sat down with his mother and promised he would take care of her son.  READ SUPREME COURT SIDES WITH GOVERNMENT IN MAJOR IMMIGRATION CASE  The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that federal appeals courts must defer to immigration judges when reviewing asylum decisions. The ruling is expected to make it harder for migrants to overturn denied claims.   READ VANCE SAYS CHURCH-GOV CLASHES ON IMMIGRATION ARE INEVITABLE Vice President JD Vance said tensions between government officials and Catholic bishops over immigration policy are inevitable because the government and the Church have different roles. He added that the disagreements should be approached "in a spirit of charity," and acknowledged he may have spoken "too harshly" when criticizing Church leaders in the past.  READ  FATHER SAYS SACRED HEART SAVED HIS FAMILY FROM CRASH  After their car flipped in a violent crash, a Spanish father says the Sacred Heart of Jesus protected his family as he, his wife, and their four children walked away without a single injury. The family had a long-standing devotion to the Sacred Heart and even had a holy card of the image in the car during the crash. "For our family, what happened was a confirmation that our trust was well placed. The Sacred Heart of Jesus had protected us," he said, calling it a "miracle."  READ CALIFORNIA DIOCESE CONDEMNS SEX OFFENDER USING CATHEDRAL AS 'PROP' FOR PRESS CONFERENCE  The Catholic Diocese of Fresno condemned a press conference held by a registered child sex offender and city council candidate outside St. John's Cathedral, saying the church was used as a "prop" for political purposes. The event drew particular concern because the cathedral sits across the street from an elementary school.  READ FAITH THAT LASTS  Our new Classic Style Metal Holy Cards combine powerful sacred imagery with a durable metal design that won't tear, or fade. Keep protection, prayer, and inspiration in your wallet every day. A timeless reminder of faith—made to endure wherever life takes you.  LEARN MORE HOUSE GRILLS WALZ ABOUT FRAUD  Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, faced sharp questioning during a contentious House hearing examining allegations of widespread fraud tied to federally funded programs in his state. Lawmakers pressed Walz on how much he knew about the fraud and why his administration didn't stop it sooner, as investigators say potential losses could exceed $9 billion.  READ RHODE ISLAND DIOCESE PUSHES BACK ON AG ABUSE REPORT  The Diocese of Providence pushed back yesterday against a report from Rhode Island's attorney general on past child sexual abuse in the diocese, saying the state mischaracterized a voluntary records review as an "investigation." The diocese also questioned the timing of the report's release, suggesting it may be aimed at influencing debate over proposed legislation.  READ NOT TO BE MISSED...  Here are the stories we couldn't fit in today's LOOP: A new report from the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions details how Afghan Christian refugees in Pakistan fear forced return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.  READ The Catholic University of America announced Monsignor James Shea as its 2026 commencement speaker.  READ An appeals court ruled to allow a subpoena in a probe of the Archdiocese of Seattle over clergy abuse claims.  READ THE BENEFITS OF WRITING IN YOUR BOOKS  Writing in the margins of your books can transform reading from a passive activity into a lively conversation with the author. The centuries-old habit turns well-loved books into personal journals filled with questions, insights, and reflections — while helping you remember what you've read long after you close the cover.  READ CATHOLIC 101  Blaise Pascal's life changed forever after a late-night mystical encounter with God. The brilliant mathematician would go on to devote himself to defending the Christian faith, reminding believers that human reason alone cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the soul.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Born in France in 1381 after her parents prayed for the intercession of St. Nicholas, St. Colette later gave away her inheritance to the poor and became a Franciscan religious. Despite fierce opposition, she led a major reform of the Poor Clares and founded 17 convents. She earned a reputation for holiness and miracles, especially for mothers and women seeking to conceive.  READ DAILY PSALM  "Remember the marvels the Lord has done." (Psalm 105)   READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION  What if one simple devotion could change your life—and our nation? The First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the Church's most powerful practices. This Lent is the perfect time to begin. WATCH & SHARE Have feedback? Click here! Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization, PO Box 3310, Carmel, IN 46082 (317) 669-6127 Unsubscribe Manage preferences