WYD 2013: Pope to Fly Over Rio's Famous Christ Statue
January 15, 2013: Pope Benedict XVI will get a special look at Rio de Janeiro's famous
Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil when he flies by it in a helicopter, though plans
for a possible landing near the statue are still not certain. This was one of the
announcements from Rio's Archbishop Orani João Tempesta, in Rome with a commission
from the World Youth Day – WYD - organizing committee for meetings with various Vatican
officials. The local organizing commission will be in Rome through January 25 and
take part in meetings that will evaluate pastoral endeavors and concretize shaping
plans. In addition to Church leaders, the commission includes representatives from
Brazil's federal government and state and local officials. It is estimated that
some two million young people will attend this year’s WYD in Brazil, which will include
a Via Crucis on the beaches of Copacabana. In statements published on the Brazilian
bishops' Web site, the commission's executive secretary, Monsignor Joel Portella,
points out that the meetings have several objectives: "One of them is the closeness
between the local organization and the various organizations of the Holy See, specifically
those in charge of the Pope's international trips." "We are going to have meetings
with the Pontifical Council for the Laity, as is usually the case, and with the sectors
connected with the liturgy and all the events related to the Pope or in which he will
take part," said Monsignor Portella. The groups will also consider communication
and security, with the Rio commission drawing from the experience in papal trips offered
by Vatican officials. "The most immediate challenge is to present everything in
writing and very specifically," said another commission official, Father Antonio Augusto.
"It's not only the visit of a Head of State but of the Holy Father, our common Father,
whom we want to welcome with much affection, also taking into consideration the diplomatic
and bureaucratic realities."