Pope Francis celebrates the closure of WYD

On Saturday evening, July 27, 2013, Pope Francis met with over a million pilgrims at Copacabana beach to lead the prayer vigil, one of the most eagerly awaited events of WYD 2013. He asked youths to 'train' their faith, just as soccer players do with their skills. The reward, the Pope said, is 'much greater than winning the World Cup'. The Pope also invited the pilgrims to be authentic Christians and to welcome Christ in their lives.

See video clip here

On Sunday morning, July 28, 2013, World Youth Day came to a close. Pope Francis celebrated a Mass with millions of youths along Rio's Copacabana beach. During his homily, Pope Francis encouraged the youth to 'go and make disciples of all nations,' adding that they now have the responsibility to share their experience with their community and in essence with the world.

With millions of people taking part in the Mass, the Pope added, 'Careful, though! Jesus did not say: 'if you would like to, if you have the time', but: 'Go and make disciples of all nations.' Sharing the experience of faith, bearing witness to the faith, proclaiming the Gospel: this is a command that the Lord entrusts to the whole Church, and that includes you.'

See video clip here