Americas News

Pope Francis addresses Brazil's leaders in Rio July 27.

Religion is 'leaven' in society, Pope tells Brazil's leaders

Jul 27, 2013

Pope Francis told representatives of Brazil’s leadership this morning that governments should affirm the value of religion in society so... Read more

Pope Francis delivers a homily during Mass for bishops, clergy and consecrated religious at Rio's cathedral (

Proclaim Gospel boldly and freely, Pope tells clergy

Jul 27, 2013

Pope Francis on Saturday urged Catholic clergy and consecrated religious to share the Gospel with young people boldly “so that... Read more

A pilgrim takes time during World Youth Day to speak with a priest July 26, 2013.

Vocations Fair at WYD seeks to spark reflection

Jul 26, 2013

A major part of World Youth Day, the 2013 Vocations Fair offers young people examples of those who have responded... Read more

Thomson Philip shows the rosary Pope Francis gave him (

Indian youth recounts 'great' World Youth Day lunch with Pope

Jul 26, 2013

Thomson Philip, a young India-born man who lives in New Zealand, can hardly believe he sat next to Pope Francis... Read more

Facundo (center) traveled across South America on foot to attend World Youth Day.

Teenager crosses South America on foot to see Pope

Jul 26, 2013

Unable to afford transportation, a teenage boy traveled 1,829 miles to Rio de Janeiro by foot, hoping to meet Pope... Read more

Pope Francis addresses pilgrims after the Way of the Cross at Copacabana Beach July 26, 2013.

Jesus' cross invites us to be smitten by his love, Pope says

Jul 26, 2013

The cross of Christ is an invitation for us to fall in love with him and to then reach out... Read more

A side altar vandalized with blasphemous graffiti in Santiago de Chile's cathedral, July 25, 2013.

Abortion rights activists vandalize cathedral in Chile

Jul 26, 2013

Abortion activists interrupted Mass at the Cathedral of the Chilean capital Santiago the evening of July 25, destroying confessionals and... Read more

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput at the March for Life in Washington, DC.

Never be afraid to share Gospel, Archbishop Chaput tells youth

Jul 26, 2013

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia held three catechetical sessions at World Youth Day, urging youth to follow Christ with humility,... Read more

Pope Francis addresses young people for the Angelus July 26, 2013.

Family life the 'privileged' place to receive faith, Pope says

Jul 26, 2013

Marking the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, during his Angelus address today Pope Francis said the transmission of faith... Read more

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver gives a catechesis session during World Youth Day in Rio on July 25, 2013. Estefania Aguirre/CNA.

Jesus wants intimate friendship, Denver archbishop tells youth

Jul 26, 2013

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila encouraged young people attending World Youth Day to move beyond having a surface-level friendship with Jesus... Read more

The Said di Lavor Family made the trip from Brasilia to Rio de Janeiro for the 2013 World Youth Day. Estefania Aguirre/CNA.

Brazilian family uses WYD as pro-life opportunity

Jul 26, 2013

The Said di Lavor family did not leave their commitment to protecting unborn children at home when they made the... Read more

Pope Francis begins his popemobile tour of the May 15, 2013 general audience in St. Peter's Square. Stephen Driscoll/CNA.

Pope adds meeting with youth detainees to schedule

Jul 26, 2013

The Vatican's spokesman says Pope Francis will meet with five local imprisoned youths on Friday morning, and that the Pope... Read more

Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, blesses a WYD pilgrim.

Honduran cardinal says saints are a Christian's work of art

Jul 25, 2013

The Archbishop of Tegucigalpa encouraged young people to follow the path of sanctity during his World Youth Day catechesis July... Read more

Pope Francis at the official welcome ceremony of the 28th World Youth Day at Rio's Copacabana Beach, July 25, 2013.

Faith radically transforms us, Pope tells young people

Jul 25, 2013

The virtue of faith “accomplishes a revolution” in the lives of believers, which brings our way of thinking and acting... Read more

CNA

Location for World Youth Day vigil changed due to rain

Jul 25, 2013

After three days of rain in Rio de Janeiro, World Youth Day planners have decided to change the location of... Read more

Sophie Morinière.

Over 1 million youth pray with Pope for Sophie

Jul 25, 2013

Pope Francis asked for a moment of silence for 21-year-old pilgrim Sophie Morinière, who was on her way to participate... Read more

Pope Francis addresses World Youth Day pilgrims from his home country of Argentina on July 25, 2013.

Pope to youth: shake things up, bring Church to the streets

Jul 25, 2013

Pope Francis told a gathering of some 30,000 youth from his homeland that they are to “make a mess,” shaking... Read more

Pope Francis addresses the community of Varginha July 25, 2013.

Pope in Rio slum: Solidarity with the poor is not optional

Jul 25, 2013

Speaking amid cheers in the soccer field of a Rio de Janeiro shanty town, Pope Francis urged people who are... Read more

Archbishop emeritus Vincent M. Concessao of Delhi gives a catechesis session at Our Lady of Mercy School July 24, 2013. Estefania Aguirre/CNA.

Archbishop tells pilgrims meeting Jesus changes your life

Jul 25, 2013

The archbishop emeritus of Delhi, India told English-speaking pilgrims during their first catechesis session of World Youth Day that an... Read more

Fr. Federico Lombardi at the July 22 press conference at the WYD 2013 media center in Rio. Michelle Bauman/CNA.

Vatican spokesman: Pope's energy strikes us all

Jul 25, 2013

Despite jetlag, rainy weather and an intense schedule, Pope Francis is showing no sign of slowing down as he meets... Read more