The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - October 31, 2026
POPE LEO CASTS MAIL-IN MIDTERM BALLOT
Pope Leo XIV has submitted a mail-in ballot in the U.S. midterm elections, the Vatican confirmed yesterday, making him the first sitting pontiff known to vote in a secular election. Responding to the news, the U.S. bishops encouraged Catholics to participate, noting that the “Holy Father sets the example that encourages each citizen to exercise their civic responsibility.”
EL-SAYED SOUGHT SUPPORT AT ISLAMIC CENTERS WHERE ‘ZIONISTS’ WERE TARGETED
A new report from the Philadelphia-based Middle East Forum claims that Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed sought support at Islamic centers where clerics prayed for God’s “revenge” on Zionists and described the United States as the “House of Shaitan,” or Satan.
MINNESOTA VOTING RULES UNDER FIRE
Minnesota’s voter outreach director sparked criticism after explaining on Somali TV that registered voters do not need ID at the polls and outlining same-day registration options. Critics questioned safeguards against non-citizen voting, noting that the state issues IDs regardless of immigration status.
JUDGE DELAYS STATE PLAN TO GIVE TESTOSTERONE TO GIRL REMOVED FROM CATHOLIC PARENTS
A Massachusetts juvenile court judge has postponed the state’s plan to give testosterone to a 17-year-old girl in its custody over her parents’ objections and pushed back the start of a trial on whether they can regain custody to March, shortly before her 18th birthday, the parents’ attorney told the Boston Herald.
NETANYAHU’S BLOC FALLS SHORT OF MAJORITY IN ELECTION
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 of parliament’s 120 seats in the final election count, leaving both major political alliances short of a governing majority and facing potentially lengthy negotiations. Netanyahu’s Likud party alleged widespread electoral fraud, but election officials rejected claims of systematic wrongdoing.
MARONITE CATHOLIC PRIEST FOUND MURDERED IN LEBANON
The discovery of Father Samir Mikhael Daou’s body after his disappearance prompted tributes to his life of service and calls for justice. The killing comes amid widespread violence and displacement facing the country this year.
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SENT VENTURES: PUTTING GOD FIRST IN BUSINESS
SENT CEO Nick Madden shared with Zeale News how Catholic entrepreneurs are bringing faith into business decisions, investing in employees, and measuring success with eternity in mind.
10 NON-CANDY TRICKS AND TREATS
Looking for trick-or-treat treasures that won’t add to the sugar rush and subsequent sugar crash? Here are Zeale’s top 10 non-candy treats to hand out this year.
RECLAIMING ALL HALLOWS’ EVE
Avoiding the gore, evil, and commercialization that have come to dominate Halloween doesn’t have to mean you can’t celebrate All Hallows’ Eve in all its glory and fun. Zeale Lifestyle’s Johanna Duncan offers simple and enticing ways to get the whole family into the spirit of the holy days known as Allhallowtide.
CATHOLIC 101
Spanning Oct. 31–Nov. 2, Hallowtide connects Halloween with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, inviting Catholics to reflect on holiness, pray for the departed, and look toward eternal life.
SAINT OF THE DAY
As a Benedictine monk and bishop of Regensburg, St. Wolfgang worked to renew religious life and encourage the faithful to grow closer to Christ. Throughout his ministry, he remained devoted to prayer, humility, and the simplicity of monastic life.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
"My soul is thirsting for the living God." (Psalm 42)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
SUNDAY'S PSALM
"Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face." (Psalm 24)
SUNDAY'S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO TRIVIA
The Catholic custom of “souling” helped inspire modern trick-or-treating: People went door to door around All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, receiving small “soul cakes” in exchange for prayers for the dead.
NEW EPISODE
Almost 70 million Americans are estranged from their family. The “no contact” movement has spread like wildfire, fueled by social media, political divisions, spiritual poverty, and cultural trends. In this episode of The Deep, Erika sits down with Noelle Mering, who wrote the book on this phenomenon, to explore what happened, how parents are dealing with the pain, and signs of reconciliation. WATCH ON ZEALE
THE FIGHT FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE DOESN’T END IN NOVEMBER
The midterm elections are a critical opportunity to defend the principles that have shaped our nation. But CatholicVote’s work to educate, equip, and mobilize Catholic voters continues long after Election Day. Become a Champion with a monthly gift of $10 or more and provide the steady support CatholicVote needs to carry this mission forward. JOIN THE FIGHT
