UCA News
Contribute

Pope visits Benedict before flying down to Rio

Full briefing shared on World Youth Day
Pope visits Benedict before flying down to Rio

Rio is ready to welcome Pope Francis (picture: AFP/ Yasuyoshi Chiba)

Published: July 22, 2013 04:59 AM GMT
Updated: July 21, 2013 06:09 PM GMT

Pope Francis paid a personal visit to retired Pope Benedict XVI, informing him about the final details for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro and asking him to pray for Pope Francis and for the pilgrims who will gather in Rio July 23-28.

During the visit, which lasted about 30 minutes July 19, Pope Francis gave his predecessor a booklet with a detailed account of the trip itinerary, along with the times the events will be broadcast in Italy, "so that he can spiritually participate in the events and, if he'd like to, follow the broadcasts," said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman.

Pope Francis also gave Pope Benedict one of the commemorative medals minted for the Brazil trip. On one side is a relief of Pope Francis in profile; on the reverse is a reproduction of the famous Rio statue of Christ with his arms outstretched and the words "Rio 2013 World Youth Day" -- in Portuguese.

"Benedict XVI assured him of his prayers, recalling his intense and marvelous experiences at previous world gatherings with young people in Cologne, Sydney and Madrid," Father Lombardi said.

Pope Benedict chose Rio as the site of World Youth Day 2013 and announced his choice at the end of World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid. He also chose the theme, "Go and make disciples of all nations."

Full Story: Pope Francis visits Pope Benedict, asks him to join WYD in prayer

Source:Catholic News Service

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia