Pope Francis Blesses Brazil and World Youth Day 2013 Pilgrims

On Thursday, Pope Francis addressed young pilgrims from around the world gathered for this year’s World Youth Day festival. The Pope’s greeting is the highlight of the week-long Roman Catholic celebration. The Pope expressed words of joy, encouragement, and delivered a homily on faith and faithfulness.

Earlier in the week the opening mass for World Youth Day 2013 was held at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The mass was officiated by Brazilian Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta and attended by about 400,000 Catholics. Rio’s Archbishop welcomed all the participants to the five-day event.

First trip abroad as Pope

Pope Francis arrived on Monday, his first trip abroad since he was elected the new head of the Church. He was welcomed by thousands of people who lined the streets to greet and cheer him. Pope Francis was welcomed to the country by President Dilma Rousseff herself. The Pope will be in Brazil until Sunday, July 28, the 28th World Youth Day to be part of the yearly weeklong Catholic festival.

The Pope has been going around the city visiting various sites. Wherever he goes, huge crowds gather confirming the new Pope’s popularity among the faithful in Latin America. The Pope has visited a facility for drug dependents and a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil. Pope Francis also blessed Brazilian athletes headed by footballer Zibo. The Pontiff also blessed the Olympic flag for Rio’s upcoming hosting of the Summer Olympic Games in 2016.

Before meeting the World Youth Day pilgrims, Pope Francis also said Holy Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral to celebrate his presence in the continent with Argentines who are currently in Rio.

Blessed be the poor

The Pope visited the poorest of the poor in Rio, smiling widely as he went around to greet the community. In addressing the residents of Varginha favela (slum), one of the city’s most dangerous slums, the Pope said that he carries them in his heart and that they are not alone. He assured them that the church and the Pope are with them and promised them thanksgiving, pleas, and consolation. He also commented that success is not possible in a society that pushes the poor to the very margins.

The Pope arrived at the favela on his open-air popemobile. While in Varginha the Pope went around on foot and visited the San Girolamo Emiliani, a small chapel where he prayed. Pope Francis also gave the community a chalice after blessing the new altar. In return the children of the community presented him a football scarf bearing the Pope’s favorite Argentine club. The Pope also visited a house and a football stadium amidst falling rain. Pope Francis delivered his inspiring message in Portuguese to 3,000 people gathered in the stadium. He said that even the poor have something to offer the world, primarily a lesson in solidarity. The people responded to his words with loud cheers.

On high alert

Women lining up the route tried their best to have their babies touched and blessed by the leader of the Church. This was rather difficult because of the barricades. The security detail for the Pope was increased after the Pope’s car was swarmed by people shortly after his arrival. The high alert status is also attributed to the latest violent anti-government protests against corruption and poor delivery of government services.

Photo Credit: Pope Francis visits a hospital in Brazil on July 25, 2013