Pope announces next World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro

Madrid, Spain, Aug 21, 2011 (CNA/EWTN News)

Rio de Janeiro in Brazil will host World Youth Day in 2013, Pope Benedict XVI told a million young pilgrims after celebrating Mass at Mardrid’s Cuarto Vientos airbase on August 21.

“Even now, let us ask the Lord to assist all those who will organize it and to ease the journey there of young people from all over the world, so that they will be able to join me in that beautiful city of Brazil,” the Pope said in comments following his midday Angelus prayer.

Brazilians who had come to Spain for World Youth Day 2011 felt overjoyed after hearing the morning announcement.

The World Youth Day cross – a fixture at the events since 1984 – changed hands after the announcement, as Spanish young people gave it to a group from Brazil.

“I hope to see you again in two years’ time at the next World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,” said the Pope, bidding farewell in Brazil's native Portuguese language.

“Till then, let us pray for each other, witnessing to the joy that brings forth life, rooted in and built upon Christ. Until we meet again, my dear young people! God bless you all!”