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.
A World Youth Day pilgrim walks a quiet Copacabana beach before sunrise July 28. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims camped out overnight for the World Youth Day vigil and closing Mass.
Photo: CNS photo / Tyler Orsburn