One year until World Youth Day in Rio

July 22, 2012. (Romereports.com) In just about 365 days, next year's World Youth Day will take place in Rio. It will kick off on July 23rd and run until the 28th. To celebrate, organizers say, the official WYD song will be released soon.

For now, what's already planned is the so called “Mission Week” where pilgrims will experience the Church in Brazil, by staying with local families as they prepare for the Pope's arrival.

The locations where the main events will take place, have already been released.

In Brazil's Copacabana beach, a welcoming Mass will be celebrated and Benedict XVI will lead the Stations of the Cross. In fact, one of the stations will take place in the slums of the area.

Then, at the Santa Cruz Air Base, which is west of Rio, a vigil and Mass will take place to close the gathering. There, at least 2 million people are expected.

The archbishop of Rio, Orani João Tempesta, has invited the Pope to visit the famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer. He also invited him to meet with volunteers at the Maracana stadium.

In just a few days, online registration will open to the public and with that, the final program of World Youth Day 2013 will be released. This will be the second World Youth Day to be held in Latin America.

JP /KLH

-MGZ