We’re on the Ground in Rio with WYD Delegates

As The Tablet goes to press this week, Pope Francis is marking his second day in Rio de Janeiro where he has traveled for World Youth Day. The Brooklyn Diocese has sent more than 200 young people to the international gathering, making it the largest total from any diocese in the U.S. and third among […]

400,000 Brave Wind, Rain for WYD Opening Mass on Copacabana Beach

by Lise Alves RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) — 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. “We come from different cultures, speak different languages, but we sing […]

Diocesan Pilgrims Excited To Be in Rio with Pope

by Antonina Zielinska Rio De Janeiro – After an overnight flight riddled with delays, pilgrims from the Brooklyn Diocese landed Monday morning July 22 in Rio de Janeiro, ready to start a full day of their World Youth Day pilgrimage. “We are finally here, 224 strong!” exclaimed Auxiliary Bishop Frank Caggiano during the welcoming Mass […]

Media Coins a Phrase: Pray with Pope

The DeSales Media Group, the parent company of The Tablet and NET-TV, launched Pray with the Pope, a website and corresponding mobile app that allows individuals and communities to dedicate prayer time in alignment with the Holy Father’s monthly intentions. Pray with the Pope is the first phase of a large-scale technology project designed to […]

World Youth Day 2013 Slideshows

Check out these slideshows from World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo credit Tablet reporter Antonina Zielinska)

Crowds Swarm Pope in Rio – Pope Greets Throngs Upon Arrival in Rio

by Francis X. Rocca RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) – 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. The papal plane touched down at Rio’s international airport at 3:43 p.m. local time, and the […]

Pope Asks Permission to Visit

by Cindy Wooden and Francis X. Rocca RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) – 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. The 76-year-old pope’s first international trip involved a 12-hour flight from Rome, taking him back to the continent […]

Protests Are Aimed at Government, Not Pope

by Lise Alves RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) – The dream of trying to see Pope Francis up close ended at a police barricade for 74-year-old Odaleia Bastos. “I don’t understand why we can’t get closer,” she said as she argued with police officers. “The population will protect the pope,” she kept telling them. Bastos, like […]

Pope Francis Says Young People Should Have Jobs

by Cindy Wooden ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO BRAZIL (CNS) – 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. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal flight to Rio de Janeiro July 22, the pope declined to answer […]

Music, Laser Light Show and Free Food At St. Athanasius

As St. Athanasius parish, Bensonhurst, celebrates its 100th anniversary, Msgr. David Cassato, pastor, hosted an event to encourage youth participation. The parish youth rally featured live music, celebrities, games, rides, food and a laser light show – all free. “The point is that the church is open to all people,” the pastor said. “I want […]