Pope confirms he will join WYD in Rio

25 March, 2013 - Pope Francis on Sunday assured young people he would join them at the international celebration of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this year, July 23-28. The new Pope, elected on March 13, confirmed his trip to Rio in a tweet, in his first Palm Sunday homily as well as in his midday ‘Angelus’ prayer. In a tweet, Pope Francis said: “I am looking forward to next July in Rio de Janeiro! I hope to see all of you in that great Brazilian city!” In a second tweet on Sunday he said: “We must not believe the Evil One when he tells us that there is nothing we can do in the face of violence, injustice and sin.” “Dear young people, in particular I entrust you and your journey to Rio De Janeiro to Mary. May all of you have a good journey!" the Pope said during the ‘Angelus’ prayer at the end of the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, which commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem before his passion and death on the cross. At the ‘Angelus’ the Pope also urged all to invoke the intercession of the Virgin Mary so that she accompanies all during Holy Week. “May she, who followed her Son to Calvary with faith, help us to walk behind Him, carrying the peace and love His Cross to reach the joy of Easter. May Our Lady of Sorrows especially support those who are experiencing difficult situations,” he said. Pope Francis also remembered all those who suffer from tuberculosis, recalling Sunday’s Tuberculosis Day.