South America

The Latest

In 2023, over half a million migrants headed toward the United States crossed the Darien Gap, the inhospitable jungle region between Colombia and Panama.

Pope Francis addresses migrant crisis in Darien Gap: ‘Every refugee challenges us’

Mar 20, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

“As Christians, every refugee and migrant who leaves his or her homeland challenges us,” Pope Francis wrote. Read more

Pope Francis at his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 17, 2023.

Pope Francis condemns assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate

Aug 12, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The presidential candidate had been an outspoken critic of the violence caused by drug trafficking. Read more

Pope Francis in Ecuador in 2015.

Ecuador to host International Eucharistic Congress in 2024

Mar 20, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Francis had designated the Archdiocese of Quito in Ecuador the host of the 2024... Read more

Pope Francis prays in St. Peter's Basilica on June 14, 2020.

Pope Francis prays for people affected by California wildfires

Oct 11, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis expressed his concern Sunday for people suffering from the effects of wildfires in California and South America.  Read more

Fr. Ugo de Censi.

Priest who served thousands in Peruvian highlands dies at 94

Dec 5, 2018

The Salesian founder of Operation Mato Grosso, a ministry of service and job training for low-income people in South America,... Read more

Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Square for the general audience Sept. 21 2016.

Pope announces special 2019 Synod of Bishops on South American region

Oct 15, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Sunday, Pope Francis announced the decision to hold a special assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to take place... Read more

Vatican Journalist Aura Miguel with Radio Renascença interviews Pope Francis Sept. 8, 2015.

Full Text of Pope Francis' interview with Portuguese radio station

Sep 14, 2015

In a new, wide-ranging interview Pope Francis touched on a variety of serious and lighthearted topics, such as the current... Read more