Catholic New World: Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Chicago

World Youth Day Rio

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.

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Pope Francis gives a thumbs up as he greets the crowd at the World Youth Day welcoming ceremony on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro July 25. During his first meeting with massive numbers of pilgrims, the pope told the young people that it is always good to be gathered around Jesus and to keep Jesus at the center of their lives.

Photo: CNS photo / Paul Haring