Pope lands safely in Rome

Rome, July 29, 2013: Pope Francis landed at Rome’s Ciampino airport this morning, marking his return from World Youth Day 2013.

The 12-hour flight from Rio de Janeiro marks the end of Pope Francis’ first overseas Apostolic Voyage. The weeklong youth event ended Sunday with Mass on Rio’s famous Copacabana beach, an liturgy attended by approximately three million people.

After his arrival at Ciampino airport, the Holy Father chose to stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to offer a brief prayer to the Blessed Virgin for World Youth Day. Seeing the Pope as he entered the Basilica, a group of young people approached him and offered him a T-shirt and a ball. Pope Francis later offered the gifts to the Madonna.