World Youth Day 2013 (34)
Denying worries over security, Vatican cancels popemobile ride
RIO DE JANEIRO - The cancellation of a scheduled Popemobile ride through a working-class neighborhood suggests that, despite official assurances, Pope Francis' chaotic entrance into the city July 22 may have raised concerns among those responsible for his safety during his first international trip as Pope.
Pope returns to Marian shrine, entrusts WYD to Mary's care
APARECIDA, Brazil - Comfortable in the presence of Mary and at a shrine that symbolizes one of his most important experiences as a member of the Latin American bishops' council, Pope Francis kicked off five days of intense activity with an act of devotion.
400,000 brave wind, rain for WYD opening Mass on Copacabana beach
RIO DE JANEIRO - The mosaic of hundreds of national flags waving in the cold wind on Copacabana beach was symbolic, as pilgrims from all backgrounds, driven by a single faith, participated in the opening Mass for World Youth Day.
Barricades against protesters put damper on Pope's well-wishers
RIO DE JANEIRO - The dream of trying to see Pope Francis up close ended at a police barricade for 74-year-old Odaleia Bastos.
Pope says he returns to Latin America as witness of Christian love
RIO DE JANEIRO - Pope Francis returned to his native Latin America July 22, asking for open hearts, even after the irrepressible crowds made it clear he had them.
Fanning the Flames of World Youth Day
How fitting: we set off on our journey to Rio on the Feast of St. Bonaventure, literally “bona aventura” or good adventure. That’s what World Youth Day is: an adventure in faith. I wonder if that’s what the disciples were thinking as they made their way down from Galilee to Jerusalem with Jesus for that fateful Passover.
Crowds in Rio welcome Pope, who wanted to be 'close to the people'
RIO DE JANEIRO - Hundreds of thousands of cheering people welcomed Pope Francis to Brazil July 22 as he made the first international trip of his pontificate to his native region of Latin America.
During flight, pope talks about importance of giving young people jobs
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO BRAZIL - With economic hard times as an excuse not to hire young people, the world risks tossing them aside and endangers its own future, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis visits Pope Benedict, asks him to join WYD in prayer
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis paid a personal visit to retired Pope Benedict XVI, informing him about the final details for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and asking him to pray for Pope Francis and for the pilgrims who will gather in Rio July 23-28.
Brazilian family vineyards to provide wine for pope in Aparecida
JUNDIAI, Brazil - Pope Francis' visit to Aparecida July 24 has a special meaning for two families who have been asked to provide the wine Pope Francis will use at Mass and a luncheon.
