Looking Ahead

July 25

Pope Francis will travel to his home continent of South America for World Youth Day. Hosted this year in Rio de Janeiro, the 2013 conference for Catholic youths is the first to be held in Latin America in more than a quarter century. And while Francis doesn’t arrive until July 25, the week-long festivities begin on July 23.

July 27

A group billed as the Bradley Manning Support Network is trying to organize worldwide protests to show support for the U.S. soldier arrested in 2010 and charged with passing classified documents to the Wikileaks website. The group’s protests are planned to coincide with the final parts of his military court martial.

July 29

The production version of BMW’s i3 all-electric sedan is scheduled for today. In addition to being electric, the German manufacturer’s vehicle will be the industry’s first car made almost exclusively of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, a light but sturdy composite. BMW plans to manufacture the vehicle’s frame and interior in Moses Lake, Wash.

Aug. 1

Minnesota’s gay marriage law takes effect, making Minnesota the 12th state to allow homosexual couples to marry. With the June Supreme Court DOMA decision, states allowing gay marriage must grant access to federal benefits that previously were available only to heterosexual married couples.

Aug. 1

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah turns 89 today. The date usually prompts speculation about the aging royal’s successor to the Saudi crown. With a number of brothers already dead, the chance of a generational change in the House of Saud grows with each birthday.