World Youth Day

The Latest

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila celebrates Mass for the 20th annniversary of the Denver WYD Aug 15, 2013.

On anniversary, Denver's World Youth Day called a 'blessing'

Aug 19, 2013

By Elise Harris, Carl Bunderson

Twenty years after the 1993 World Youth Day was held in Denver, the archdiocese has been abundantly blessed with much... Read more

World Youth Day participants at Mile High Stadium in Denver, 1993.

Denver archdiocese: World Youth Day launched spiritual revolution

Aug 15, 2013

In 1992, Denver was one of three American cities that had been vying to host World Youth Day the following... Read more

Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square, April 18, 2012.

Respond to the Lord's call, encourages Pope Francis

Aug 4, 2013

During his Angelus address today, Pope Francis asked the crowds to pray with him that the World Youth Day pilgrims... Read more

Pope Francis greets the faithful as he arrives on the popemobile at the San Joaquin Episcopal Palace in Rio de Janeiro on July 26, 2013. ANSA/Luca Zennaro/Pool.

Despite reports, Vatican organizer says Rio went as planned

Aug 2, 2013

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Although the media focused on some of the moments when the Pope’s security team appeared overwhelmed during the World Youth... Read more

Pope Francis embraces, cries with Nathan during WYD.

Boy who embraced Pope receives hero's welcome at school

Aug 1, 2013

The young boy who brought Pope Francis to tears during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro was greeted with... Read more

CNA

Archbishop of Rio underscores positive impact of WYD

Jul 31, 2013

Archbishop Orani Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro said World Youth Day 2013 has had a positive impact on the country,... Read more

Pope Francis embraces, cries with Nathan during WYD.

Pope cries with Brazilian child who wants to be a priest

Jul 30, 2013

Nathan de Brito brought Pope Francis to tears during one of his motorcades through the streets of Rio de Janeiro... Read more

Cardinal Turkson at Vatican Press Office`s conference on upcoming conference for Women and the post-2015 development agenda.

Cardinal Turkson links care for environment, human life

Jul 30, 2013

By Michelle La Rosa

Respect for the environment is a matter of justice, connected to respect for human life and founded upon our relationship... Read more

Pilgrims celebrate after hearing the news that the next World Youth Day will be hosted by Krakow, Poland in 2016.

Polish pilgrims already anticipating Krakow 2016

Jul 30, 2013

By Michelle La Rosa

With the final Mass of World Youth Day 2013 barely coming to a close, young people from Poland were already... Read more

World Youth Day pilgims take part in a flashmob dance at the beginning of the closing Mass June 28, 2013.

Closing Mass for Rio's World Youth Day largest since 1995

Jul 29, 2013

Over three million Catholic pilgrims from around the world attended the final Mass at World Youth Day on Sunday, making... Read more

Matias Gonzalez and Arturo Fernandez from Argentina at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, July 28, 2013.

In spite of challenges, global youth plan for Krakow

Jul 29, 2013

Young global participants in Rio de Janeiro's World Youth Day say that traveling to Krakow, Poland in 2016 for the... Read more

(L-R) Yoel Aparicio and Gershon Cruz spent the night on Copacabana Beach July 28, 2013.

World Youth Day vigil was 'spectacular,' say pilgrims in Rio

Jul 29, 2013

Young people participating in the World Youth Day prayer vigil in Rio de Janeiro before the final Mass with Pope... Read more

Pope Francis disembarks July 29, 2013 at Ciampino Airport after his flight from Rio de Janeiro. ANSA/TELENEWS

Pope gives surprising in-flight press conference

Jul 29, 2013

Pope Francis finished off his trip to Brazil with one last unscripted moment by holding a 1 hour and 20... Read more

D.C.-area residents pray at a local World Youth Day-inspired event.

Hundreds in DC celebrate World Youth Day locally

Jul 29, 2013

By Adelaide Mena

Over 500 local pilgrims flocked to the Franciscan Monastery in Washington D.C. on Saturday to join in prayer and show... Read more

Thousands of pilgrims at a catechesis with Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley on July 26 in Vivo Rio center, Rio de Janeiro.

Cardinal O'Malley to youth: witness by building strong marriages

Jul 28, 2013

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston encouraged thousands of pilgrims at a catechesis talk in Rio de Janeiro to choose... Read more

Katherine Bauman reads the first reading during the Mass for the Evangelization of Peoples July 28, 2013.

Lector at Papal WYD Mass says she encountered Church

Jul 28, 2013

The young woman who proclaimed a Scripture reading at the Papal Mass at World Youth Day said that it was... Read more

A priest hears a young pilgrim's confession at World Youth Day in Rio.

Catholics find grace in Copacabana confessions

Jul 28, 2013

Young people from around the world stood in long lines on Rio’s Copacabana Beach to take part in the Sacrament... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his farewell speech to Brazil July 28, 2013.

Build a 'civilization of love,' Pope encourages Brazilian people

Jul 28, 2013

In a farewell address to the people of Brazil, Pope Francis indicated his thanks for their warm welcome and encouraged... Read more

Pope Francis addresses World Youth Day volunteers, July 28, 2013.

Make definite commitments, Pope urges youth

Jul 28, 2013

In his encounter of thanks with the volunteers at World Youth Day, Pope Francis exhorted the young people to make... Read more

Mike Alvarado kneels by his flag.

Californian at WYD seeks signatures from around the world

Jul 28, 2013

Mike Alvarado is on a mission at World Youth Day to get people from around the world to sign his... Read more