THE election of Pope Francis, the first South American pope, has raised the excitement levels among Catholics worldwide for this year’s World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July.
It has been confirmed that the Holy Father would return to his home continent of South America to address an anticipated two million young Catholics set to attend the WYD week.
World Youth Day will be the Pope’s first international event, and a great opportunity for many young people to see the Holy Father.
Brisbane archdiocese is encouraging anybody interested in going to WYD this year to meet the new pope to register for the archdiocese’s WYD pilgrimage immediately.
Registrations for the archdiocese’s WYD pilgrimage, organised by Harvest Pilgrimages, have been extended until April 8.
At a WYD briefing session last weekend for Brisbane pilgrims, Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Pope Francis would bring to World Youth Day a new spirit, different to that of his predecessors.
“Pope Francis has his own way, and in a sense, he has broken the mould,” he said.
Archbishop Coleridge said he was waiting for what could be a “fascinating interaction” between the young people and the Holy Father.
The Brisbane archdiocese’s group will depart on July 15 and lead pilgrims through Chile for a short mission stop before travelling to Rio de Janeiro for the WYD week.
WYD pilgrim numbers are set to increase significantly, with some reporting that numbers will double, as people hope to catch a glimpse of the new pope.
The number of Latino pilgrims, particularly from South America, is also expected to rise, given the Pope’s Argentinian origin.
To register and book for the pilgrimage with Brisbane archdiocese, visit www.wydtours.com and follow the links to the Brisbane WYD pilgrimages page.
