Young people await mass on Copacabana beach under cold, rainy weather

Criado em 23/07/13 18h20 e atualizado em 23/07/13 18h44
Por Paulo Virgilio and Vinicius Lisboa Edição:s Fonte:Agência Brasil

Rio de Janeiro – Thousands of pilgrims did not feel any less excited on account of the drizzle and the winds brought by the cold front that grew stronger this Tuesday (July 23), around 4 p.m. They were waiting on Copacabana beach for the mass scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., which marks the official beginning of the World Youth Day (WYD) celebrations.

Young people had been walking around the neighborhood since the morning. Most of them could be seen in groups identified by their country of origin and by the T-shirts and backpacks with the WYD logo. Long lines were formed around lunchtime at restaurants and snack bars nearby. Many chose to refill their supplies at supermarkets, buying food and drink before waiting for the mass, which will be celebrated by the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, cardinal Orani Tempesta.

Pope Francis will not attend the ceremony, as he spends the day resting at the official residence of Rio’s archdiocese.

Editors: Nádia Franco / Olga Bardawil
Translators: Fabrício Ferreira / Olga Bardawil