Pope Francis in South America

The Latest

Pope Francis speaks to representatives of Paraguayan society in Asuncion, July 11, 2015.

Happiness and pleasure are not synonyms, Pope Francis reminds Paraguay's youth

Jul 11, 2015

Meeting Saturday afternoon with representatives of Paraguayan society, Pope Francis addressed young people in particular, telling them they must realize... Read more

Pope Francis greets the faithful in Asuncion, Paraguay, July 11, 2015.

Pope visits foundation for AIDS victims verbally attacked by gay rights activist

Jul 11, 2015

Pope Francis modified his schedule on Saturday, July 11, deciding to include this afternoon a visit to the Saint Rafael... Read more

Pope Francis listens to the proclamation of the Gospel during the Mass said at the shrine of Our Lady of Caacupé, July 11, 2015.

Pope calls on Paraguay’s women to build the future

Jul 11, 2015

Saying Mass at the Marian shrine of Caacupé on Saturday, Pope Francis reflected that it is the task of the... Read more

Pope Francis speaks with patients outside Asuncion's Niños de Acosta Ñu pediatric hospital, July 11, 2015.

Pope Francis tells sick children of Paraguay they are close to Jesus

Jul 11, 2015

There is one way to annoy Jesus, Pope Francis said on Saturday: Keep the children from coming to him.  Read more

Children play on a stage at the Palmasola prison in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, while Pope Francis listens to a greeting from Archbishop Juárez of Sucre, July 10, 2015.

From one sinner to another, Pope asks for prayers during prison visit

Jul 10, 2015

Pope Francis on Friday told Bolivian inmates that he too is a sinner who has experienced the merciful love of... Read more

Pope Francis greets the crowds at the airport of La Paz, Bolivia, July 8, 2015.

Let us be grateful witnesses of God's mercy, Pope says

Jul 9, 2015

Christ gave sight to a blind beggar whom others ignored. For Pope Francis, this bears an important lesson for Christians... Read more

Bolivian president Evo Morales presents Pope Francis with a 'communist crucifix' at the presidential palace in La Paz, July 8, 2015.

Pope Francis apparently not amused by 'communist crucifix' (Updated)

Jul 9, 2015

By Elise Harris

When leftist Bolivian president Evo Morales on Thursday presented Pope Francis with a “communist crucifix” – a carving of Christ... Read more

Pope Francis says Mass at Christ the Redeemer Square in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, July 9, 2015.

No one should be discarded – In Bolivia, Pope Francis advocates for the poor

Jul 9, 2015

Giving into despair when confronted with life’s difficulties only leads to an individualistic attitude that discards others, Pope Francis said... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims inside St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Feb. 11, 2015.

Don't forget how Christianity shaped you, Pope tells Bolivia

Jul 8, 2015

In a meeting at the Cathedral of La Paz in Bolivia, Pope Francis urged civil authorities to respect religious freedom... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his opening address for his journey to Bolivia, at the airport of La Paz, July 8, 2015.

'Jallalla Bolivia' – Pope Francis arrives speaking Quechua

Jul 8, 2015

Arriving in Bolivia on Wednesday afternoon, Pope Francis greeted those waiting for him with the greeting “jallalla,” significant because it... Read more

Ecuadorians gathered in the street before the Cathedral of Quito to see Pope Francis, July 6, 2015.

Papal crowds in Ecuador topped one million on Francis' first day

Jul 7, 2015

By Elise Harris

On the first full day of his apostolic journey to South America Pope Francis had already drawn more than 1... Read more

Pope Francis processes into Mass at Quito's Bicentennial Park, July 7, 2015.

Pope: Evangelizing isn't about big talk – it's about joy

Jul 7, 2015

In his second homily while visiting Ecuador, Pope Francis spoke on Tuesday of the importance of fostering unity through evangelization,... Read more

Pope Francis says Mass at the North American College in Rome, May 2, 2015.

Pray that the family synod will deepen the Church's spiritual discernment, Pope asks

Jul 6, 2015

During a Mass said on Monday, the first full day of his visit to Ecuador, Pope Francis called for prayers... Read more

The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, in Copacabana, Bolivia.

Pope Francis' visit will stir up people's faith, Bolivian priest at Vatican expects

Jul 6, 2015

On Wednesday Pope Francis will set foot on Bolivian soil, beginning a three-day visit to the country which one of... Read more

Pope Francis gives the homily at Mass for the Solemnity of All Saints in Rome's Verano cemetery, Nov. 1, 2014.

What did he just say? Pope Francis off-the-cuff in Latin America

Jul 5, 2015

By Alan Holdren

The world is about to see a new side to Pope Francis and, interestingly, it could be the most intimate... Read more

Pope Francis.

Pope lands in Ecuador, calls nation to continue in Catholic identity

Jul 5, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Landing in Ecuador on Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis began his tri-nation visit to Latin America by stressing the Gospel’s role... Read more

Carmelite Sisters of St. Dominic of Tsachilas with vestments for Pope Francis' visit to Ecuador.

These nuns are making the Pope's vestments for Ecuador

Jun 30, 2015

Within the walls of the convent in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador, the Carmelite nuns are busy making liturgical... Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims in Turkey, Istanbul, Nov. 29 2014.

Pope's first South America stop: Ecuador's sanctuary of Divine Mercy

May 8, 2015

By Elise Harris

After arriving to Ecuador for his 10 day trip to South America, Pope Francis' first stop will be Guayaquil's Sanctuary... Read more