Millions of young people gathered in Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day in July. It was Pope Francis' first international trip. By all accounts the event was joyous, spirit-filled and peppered with poignant words and gestures from the pontiff.
Pilgrims crowd Copacabana beach as Pope Francis celebrates the closing Mass of World Youth Day July 28 in Rio de Janeiro. During the service the pope commissioned an estimated 3 million people in attendance to become missionaries without borders.
Photo: CNS photo / Paulo Whitaker, Reuters