The sea: tempestuous, chaotic, and tumultuous. In early Christian literature, the seas were a metaphor for the great unknown.  The book of Revelation even compares heaven to a sea of glass, resplendent in all the beauty of the ocean but without the uncertainty that comes with seafaring. World Youth Day, the international Catholic event that ...read more

Address of Pope Francis at the 28th World Youth Day Prayer Vigil on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, July 27, 2013 Dear Young Friends, We have just recalled the story of Saint Francis of Assisi. In front of the crucifix he heard the voice of Jesus saying to him: “Francis, go, rebuild my house.” The ...read more

Watching the footage of this week, and especially the Way of the Cross yesterday and the Vigil tonight, I am reminded of the essence of our mission here at Salt and Light.  In so many ways, the world is covered in darkness and embraced by a wave of indifference, and the fault is ours. It ...read more

Address of Pope Francis to the Bishops of Brazil, Archbishopric São Joaquim, July 27, 2013 Dear Brothers, How good it is to be here with you, the Bishops of Brazil! Thank you for coming, and please allow me to speak with you as one among friends. That’s why I prefer to speak to you in Spanish, so ...read more

Address of Pope Francis to Brazilian Leaders, July 27, 2013 Your Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank God for the opportunity to meet such a distinguished representation of the political, diplomatic, cultural and religious, academic and business leaders of this immense country of Brazil. I would like to speak to you in your own beautiful Portuguese ...read more

Homily of Pope Francis at a Mass with Bishops, Priests, Religious, and Seminarians at the Cathedral of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro, July 27, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Seeing this Cathedral full of Bishops, priests, seminarians, and men and women religious from the whole world, I think of the Psalmist’s words ...read more

Address of Pope Francis to Young Pilgrims at the World Youth Day Way of the Cross on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, July 26, 2013 Dear Young Friends, We have come here today to accompany Jesus on his journey of sorrow and love, the Way of the Cross, which is one of the most intense ...read more

Last Monday was our last free day here in Rio de Janeiro, maybe the calm before the storm but I am sure this WYD is going to be an incredible experience in my life. Not just because the beauty of the city, the friendly Brazilians or because the wonderful beaches but the energy that you ...read more

Angelus address of Pope Francis given at the Archbishop’s Residence on the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, July 26, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Dear Friends, I give thanks to Divine Providence for bringing me here to the city of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. I offer heartfelt thanks ...read more

Yesterday Pope Francis held a special, impromptu meeting with the youth of his native Argentina in the Cathedral of St. Sebastian in Rio. Below is Vatican Information Service’s account of this joyful occasion as well as full text of the Holy Father’s remarks in Spanish and Italian. “I WANT THE CHURCH TO GO INTO THE ...read more