NATION/WORLD

The second day of catechesis challenged pilgrims to become a missionary of mercy by showing compassion, love and a caring attitude toward anyone who is suffering.

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO KRAKOW, POLAND (CNS) — The world, not religion, is waging a war in pieces, Pope Francis said.

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (CNS) — Mike Piazza, the superstar catcher inducted July 24 into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, gave credit to his Catholic faith for his success during his induction speech.

The cardinal preached to an estimated 200,000 pilgrims from 187 countries in Krakow's Blonia Park

Pilgrims to Krakow describe how experiencing World Youth Day in Poland deepens their understanding of mercy.

"We are particularly stricken because this horrible violence occurred in a church — a sacred place in which the love of God is proclaimed — with the barbaric killing of a priest," a Vatican spokesperson said.

The one-day U.S. experience aims to provide many of the key transformative experiences of World Youth Day, taking place June 26-31 in Krakow, Poland.

"It's amazing (that) you're walking in the suffering. In the silence you hear the stumbling, the falling, the crying of the people," one pilgrim said.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio is in Poland this week for World Youth Day festivities alongside 20 pilgrims who are also on active duty with the military.

A young adult from Scottsdale is among 2,000 pilgrims who completed "Ignatian Experiments" in culturally diverse groups among four countries.