For those who wanted to participate in WYD but were unable to come to Brazil, the opportunities to watch the events in the secular media were painfully few and far between. Although sound-bites were occasionally scattered throughout the news, it was clear that the global appetite to understand the context of the Pope’s trip to ...read more

In a press conference held on Tuesday, July 30th, Archbishop of Rio and Chairman of World Youth Day Rio2013 LOC, Orani Tempesta, gave a positive assessment of the event. According to him, Pope Francis wowed everyone with his simplicity and his desire to always be near the people. “It is God who makes things. We ...read more

I don’t want to run to the Cross. I want to run from the Cross. And today, the Monday after WYD the Cross beckons me. Today, exhausted, after a week of 16-hour days, I complained to Jesus that I had to do all the work by myself. Actually, I didn’t even complain to Jesus; I ...read more

(CNS) Highlights of Pope Francis’ visit to Rio, during WYD Rio 2013 World Youth Day 2013 Flash Mob More highlights of Pope Francis’ visit to Rio during World Youth Day 2013 Bishops at World Youth Day practicing the Flash Mob   ...read more

This great interview in Spanish with Portuguese subtitles aired on Brazilian Television Saturday evening, July 27, 2013.   ...read more

As Pope Francis was leaving the cathedral of St. Sebastian in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday following mass with the bishops and priests, he met a couple who presented to him their own newly-born daughter who was born anacephalic (without a brain). Normally the baby would have died at birth but she was still alive.  ...read more

Address of Pope Francis to the Coordinating Committee of CELAM, the Latin American Bishops’ Conference, July 28, 2013 1. Introduction I thank the Lord for this opportunity to speak with you, my brother bishops, the leadership of CELAM for the four-year period from 2011 to 2015. For 57 years CELAM has served the 22 Episcopal ...read more

Homily of Pope Francis at the Concluding Mass of World Youth Day 2013 on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, July 28, 2013 Brother Bishops and Priests, Dear Young Friends, “Go and make disciples of all nations”. With these words, Jesus is speaking to each one of us, saying: “It was wonderful to take part in ...read more

Worshipping God on Copacabana Beach: A Reflection on the Final Mass from World Youth Day Rio, 2013. ...read more

Closing remarks and annoucement of host city for next WYD by Pope Francis at the Closing Mass of WYD Rio on Copacabana Beach, July 28, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters, At the end of this Mass, in which we have raised up to God our song of praise and thanksgiving for every grace received during ...read more