Pope Francis arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday where thousands of faithful Catholics were waiting to see him. The first Latin American Pope was greeted by the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff. Francis opted not to be driven around in the secure and protected Pope-mobile. Instead he was driven in a less protected Fiat.
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As the Pope left the airport in Rio his driver took a wrong turn and the car was mobbed by followers trying to get a glimpse of, or a blessing from the Pope. Francis is an Argentine and he has not been back to his native Latin America since becoming Pope in March.
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Papal spokesman Federico Lombardi told USA Today, he felt some nervous moments when the Pope's car would slow down. The Pope himself did not seem nervous, often stopping to touch the hands of his followers and kiss babies.
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"I have learned that to gain access to the Brazilian people, it is necessary to pass through their great heart, so let me knock gently at this door. I ask permission to come and spend this week with you," the Pope said in his address to the people.
His first stop in Brazil is part of a seven-day tour of South America. The Pope is in Rio to attend World Youth Day, an annual event that brings young Catholics together.
"I came to meet young people coming from all over the world, drawn to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer," Pope Francis said at the governor's palace. "They want to find a refuge in his embrace, right near his heart to hear his call clearly and powerfully."
Not all of Rio was pleased with the arrival of the Pope. Following the Pontiff's speech at the palace police launched tear gas at an angry group of demonstrators outside the palace. Brazil has been awash with protest against what the people believe is a corrupt and extravagant government.
The BBC reports an explosive device was found at a shrine between Rio and Sao Paulo. The Pope is scheduled to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Conception of Aparecida on Wednesday. The homemade bomb was said to be of low power. The military had the device destroyed, no one was injured.
Brazil has the largest number of Catholics in the world. 65-percent of the country profess the faith, but that number is 9-percent lower than it was a decade ago. In Rio de Janeiro only 45-percent profess the Catholic faith.
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