Following the conclusion of Pope Francis’ morning visit to the pediatric hostipal ‘Niños de Acosta Ñu’ in Asunción, the Holy Father departed to the Marian Shrine of Caacupé to ??celebrate the Mass. Before entering the Basilica, where he was to venerate the “Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepcion de los Milagros”, he received the keys of the city ...read more

On July 11, 2105. the Pope left the Apostolic Nunciature in Asunción and went by car to the “Niños de Acosta Ñu” General Paediatric Hospital. Arriving at 8:30 a.m., he was greeted by the Hospital Director who accompanied him to the various departments of the hospital to visit some of the most seriously ill patients. During ...read more

On Friday, July 10, 2015, Pope Francis departed from Bolivia to Paraguay for the final leg of his Apostolic Journey to South America. He was greeted by Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes upon his arrival at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asuncion. Shortly after, the Holy Father met with government authorities and diplomatic corps at Palacio ...read more

In the morning of Friday, July 10, 2015, Pope Francis visited the Santa Cruz-Palmasola Rehabilitation Center and gave an address to the young offenders. Read the full text of the address below:  Dear Brothers and Sisters, Good morning! I could not leave Bolivia without seeing you, without sharing that faith and hope which are the fruit of the ...read more

On Thursday, July 9, 2015, Pope Francis participated in the Second World Meeting of the Popular Movements at the Expo Feria Exhibition Centre Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia. Read the full text of the address below:  Good afternoon! Several months ago, we met in Rome, and I remember that first meeting. In the ...read more

On Thursday, July 9, 2015 the Holy Father arrived at the private residents at the Coliseum of Don Bosco College for the meeting with the priests, men and women religious and seminarian. The meeting began with a greeting by S.E. Msgr. Roberto Bordi, OFM , Auxiliary Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of El Beni and Director of ...read more

Much of the novelty surrounding the person and pontificate of Pope Francis can be attributed to his Argentine, Latin American background. His personal style, his understanding of church matters and his views on global issues are all shaped by that particular cultural experience. The significance of this cannot be overstated. So when Francis returns to ...read more

On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Pope Francis arrived in Bolivia for the second leg of his Apotolic Journey to South America. The next day, the Holy Father celebrated his first public mass in Bolivia at Christ the Redeemer Square in Santa Cruz. Read the full text of his homily for the mass, which opened the ...read more

On Wednesday evening, July 8, 2015, the Holy Father met with the civil authories in La Paz Cathedral in Bolivia. The authorities present included the Head of State, political and civil authories, representatives of the nation’s cultural institutions and members of the Diplomatic Corps. After greeting S. E. Mons. Edmundo Luis Flavio Abastoflor, Archbishop of La ...read more

On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Pope Francis departed from Ecuador for La Paz, Bolivia for the second leg of his tour in South America. Upon arrival at the Internationl Airport “El Alto,” The Holy Father was greeted by President Evo Morales and hundreds of thousands of Bolivian pilgrims. Read the full text of his welcoming ...read more