Pope's plans for encyclical, travel disclosed

Apr 26, 2013 - 04:18 am .- Pope Francis could issue his first encyclical this year and so far is only planning one international trip in 2013, according to Vatican press office director Father Federico Lombardi.

Rio archbishop invites Pope to visit poor neighborhood

Apr 8, 2013 - 12:03 pm .- The archbishop of Rio de Janeiro proposed an agenda for Pope Francis' visit to Brazil this summer for World Youth Day which includes a trip to an impoverished neighborhood known as a “favela.”

Pope Francis will attend World Youth Day, officials confirm

Mar 19, 2013 - 12:04 pm .- The president of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis, has confirmed that Pope Francis will travel to Brazil in July to participate in World Youth Day 2013.

Young Catholics recall Pope's profound outreach

Feb 20, 2013 - 04:07 am .- As Pope Benedict XVI prepares to conclude his duties as Holy Father, young Catholics are recalling his marked efforts to renew the faith of the youth throughout the world.

Mother who cooked for Pope recalls his paternal care

Feb 18, 2013 - 12:04 pm .- A woman who helped cook for the Pope during his visit to Spain in 2011 said the Holy Father looked at those who prepared his meal the way that she looks at her children.

New Pope will attend World Youth Day, Rio archbishop confirms

Feb 12, 2013 - 12:50 pm .- Amid news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro said the new Pope elected in the upcoming conclave will attend World Youth Day this summer.

Benedict XVI will see Christ statue from the air during WYD

Jan 8, 2013 - 12:12 pm .- Pope Benedict XVI will get a bird’s eye view of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue that overlooks Rio de Janeiro during his visit to the city for World Youth Day 2013.

World Youth Day cross, Mary icon arrive in Uruguay

Dec 7, 2012 - 12:02 pm .- The two symbols of World Youth Day, the pilgrim cross and the icon of the Virgin Mary, will tour the country of Uruguay Dec. 8-13 as part of preparations for the event in Rio de Janeiro next summer.

World Youth Day pilgrims not required to pay for Brazil visa

Nov 16, 2012 - 04:02 pm .- Organizers for World Youth Day Rio 2013 said pilgrims and volunteers who have proof of registration in the event will be able to enter Brazil without having to pay for a visa.

Pope asks young to heed Jesus' missonary call

Nov 16, 2012 - 11:43 am .- In anticipation of next July’s World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Pope Benedict XVI is challenging young Catholics to be courageous missionaries to their peers.

Vatican delegation visits locations for 2013 World Youth Day

Oct 25, 2012 - 01:25 pm .- A delegation from the Vatican arrived in Rio de Janeiro Oct. 24 to visit the sites where World Youth Day 2013 will take place and decide on whether to approve them.

World Youth Day Rio opens registration Aug. 28

Aug 27, 2012 - 03:32 pm .- Organizers for World Youth Day Rio 2013 announced that registration for the event will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

World Youth Day volunteers receive Olympic flag in Rio

Aug 23, 2012 - 04:06 pm .- The official flag of the Olympic Games, on its way from London to Rio de Janeiro's Shrine of Christ the Redeemer, was received by Archbishop Orani Tempesta and World Youth Day volunteers.

Pope praying youth will answer call to evangelize

Jul 31, 2012 - 02:28 pm .- With exactly one year to go until the 28th World Youth Day begins in Rio de Janeiro, Pope Benedict XVI is praying this August that young people will engage in evangelization.

Young people flood Rio for launch of World Youth Day prayer

Jul 13, 2012 - 08:10 pm .- On the evening of July 13, thousands of young people flocked to Rio de Janeiro for the release of the official World Youth Day prayer as preparations for next year's global youth event continue.

Latin American countries competing for papal visit in 2013

Jul 6, 2012 - 01:11 pm .- Pope Benedict XVI could make a stopover in a Spanish-speaking Latin American country during his visit to the region for World Youth Day Rio 2013.

At future WYD site, cardinal calls youth key to New Evangelization

Mar 5, 2012 - 03:45 pm .- On a recent trip to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day 2013 preparations, a top Vatican official said the conversion of young people is essential for evangelizing formerly Christian societies.

‘Hacktivist’ assault on World Youth Day site provides insights

Mar 2, 2012 - 04:01 am .- An internet security firm’s report on an apparent anti-Catholic “hacktivism” attack has renewed interest in an assault on World Youth Day computers in August 2011.

Cardinal O’Malley encourages youth to bring friends to Jesus

Aug 18, 2011 - 04:01 pm .- Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston has encouraged young people faithfully attend Sunday Mass and to bring their friends to Jesus Christ.