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 Young Catholic pilgrims attending World Youth Day on Copacabana Beach.
July 27th, 2013
04:58 PM ET
Massive crowd attends prayer service with popeBy Shasta Darlington and Eric Marrapodi, CNN Rio de Janeiro (CNN) - A massive crowd packed Copacabana Beach late Saturday for a prayer service with Pope Francis. The pope addressed Catholic pilgrims who came for the weeklong World Youth Day celebration. Organizers said 3 million attended the service. They cited the mayor's office and police for the crowd estimates, which nearly doubled the 1.6 million who came here for a 2006 Rolling Stones concert and matched the 3 million who came for the 2000 millennium celebration. CNN could not verify the estimate. As he drove to the stage in the popemobile, Francis was pelted with T-shirts, banners and flags from the increasingly adoring crowds being held back by barricades on both sides of the street. The pope told young people in attendance that they were the "protagonists of the future." "In your young hearts, you have a desire to build a better world," Francis said. "I have been closely following the news reports of the many young people who throughout the world have taken to the streets in order to express their desire for a more just and fraternal society." He said protesters should be motivated by the values of the Gospel and to overcome apathy with "a Christian response to the social and political concerns present in their countries." The prayer vigil had been scheduled for a field 30 miles outside of the city at "Campus Fidei," or faith field, but organizers had to move events to Rio because of flooding. "Today too, as always, the Lord needs you, young people, for his church," the pope said. "You are called to build a more beautiful church and a better world." Many camping overnight on beach Flags from around the world dotted the beach and marked off territories for the pilgrims with their sleeping mats who planned to stay overnight on the beach in anticipation of a final Mass on Sunday with the pope to close out the event. "This is what the church needs now. He just brought so much new energy and so much joy," said Yana Slovakia who was attending with her church St. Anne Catholic Community outside Houston, Texas. "In a church that has experienced much hemorrhaging of membership, tonight is a clear indication that young people are still willing to consider this Church their home," said the Rev. Thomas Rosica, a Canadian priest who has been working with the Vatican communications team. "Just as John Paul II's election sent high voltage shocks into the Communist regime and eventually brought it down, I think that Francis' election has also sent some serious jolts deep into the shallow sects that have caused some hemorrhaging of the church in this part of the world." Earlier, in a stern speech delivered to Brazilian bishops on Saturday, Pope Francis chastised the church for losing many of the faithful to other denominations, saying they must work harder to be close to the flock and employ a "grammar of simplicity." "At times, we lose people because they don't understand what we are saying, because we have forgotten the language of simplicity and import an intellectualism foreign to our people," he told the 300 bishops gathered for lunch. The Vatican called it Francis' longest and one of his most important speeches to date. And it sets the tone for what can be expected from the pontiff's strategy for the Catholic Church as a whole. Pontiff urges priests to get out of the office Francis reiterated a familiar message, urging priests and higher-ups to get out their parishes and reach out to the people, especially those pushed to the margins of society. Brazil has more Catholics than any other country, but the number has eroded in recent decades. According to a 2010 census, just 65% of the total population of 191 million considered itself Catholic, down from 74% in 2000. In the same period, the percentage of Brazilians who considered themselves evangelicals grew from 15% to 22%. On Saturday, Francis reflected on the causes. "Perhaps the church appeared too weak, perhaps too distant from their needs, perhaps too poor to respond to their concerns, perhaps too cold, perhaps too caught up with itself, perhaps a prisoner of its own rigid formulas," he said. "Perhaps the world seems to have made the church a relic of the past, unfit for new questions; perhaps the church could speak to people in their infancy but not to those come of age." The pope arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Monday for the run-up to World Youth Day. Before meeting with the bishops, he presided over Mass at Rio de Janeiro's Cathedral and then met with politicians and leaders of Brazilian society at the Municipal Theater. The unpredictable pontiff even placed an indigenous headdress on his head briefly during the encounter. Friday night, an estimated 1.5 million people turned out and the pope lead them in prayer. Presidents and heads of state from across Latin America were scheduled to attend the final Mass, at which the pope is scheduled to announce the location of World Youth Day 2015. CNN Vatican analyst John L. Allen Jr. contributed to this report.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=JOemwDVBlqE
Who is this man who walks unafraid among the millions of "common people" and relates to their fears and aspirations?
Satan's pawn!
He is just as common.
This man is a jewel. Thank God that he is also the Pope. What a gift to mankind he is becoming.
Really what happened to Jesus? What happened to call your man father but your Father who is in heaven? I think you need to re-evaluate who you are following.
Call no man your father but your Father who is in heaven. Typo
and your mother married to your uncle?
Well said, James. I loved John Paul II & Benedict XVI, and with this new Pope, God has once again greatly blessed us!
Is sounds like you have a man-crush on him. I bet you would like him to kick in your back door.
What is this, the Roman Catholic Blog? Like who are the going to fool but themselves. IDOLATRY is not religion IDOLATRY is a SIN
I agree God says don't make any graven images! People put trust in this Pope (who is just a man) and idols and think that's the way to heaven. This Pope has NO POWER, its in accepting Jesus Christ as your lord and savior that gets you into heaven. No Idols No rituals just Jesus's sacrifice.
You don't think the Pope accepts Jesus Christ as his savior?
Ex,
How many times have you posted that idiotic comment in the last week ? Like 1000 ?
Ar you retarded ?
Does corporate religion help, or hinder humanity? The evidence doesn't look very good.
Funny. "importing foreign intellectualism". Wow! The Catholic church wouldn't want to saddled with intellectualism. Neither the Catholic church nor any other religion can tolerate educated folks.
For humanity to evolve to a higher understanding of who we are we have to let religion go as a thing of the past. The pope trying to revitalize something that has never worked is only digging deeper. There are many spiritual teachings on the planet right now that serve humanity much more than the antiquated teachings of the RCC. We all need faith but not this perverted one preached by the RCC. Imagine the pope getting away with indulgences – we can't buy our way to heaven and for the pope to continue to use this method of making money is outrageous. Time to ask for truth and wisdom.
Selling of indulgences? Dude, that was done away with centuries ago. Someone is a little behind of the times, themselves. That would be you.
actually the current pop just brought up indulgences as rewards for doing things like following his twitter and going to the world kids day and other gatherings. Its supposed to take time off of ones time in purgatory. :\
Read the damned article again. You completely misunderstood it. Yay.
Selling indulgences never really stopped dude. It just changed its face. Priests in Milwaukee were paid to leave the church rather than face embarrassing excommunication for child abuse. If you don't think that is paying for the sins to be removed, you're clueless. Wolves in sheepskin clothing in the catholic flock. Give rise to evangelicism and Protestantism. May the Word of God be the lead to follow. Not a man in a mitre with a gold staff paid for by centuries of sin and politics.
But if the RCC is actually infallible as it claims to be, then it still believes that the selling of indulginces was quite proper.
Actually back in the day (maybe 10,000 days ago?) those were just a why to trick ignorant rich people out of their money. The Church didn't think of them as anything other than a fundraiser.
SeattleBeliever:
The real person who is behind the times is the Village Idiot of Vatican City, and his CULT the RCC.
Yes ... thanks for that deep, penetrating assessment of the state of the Holy Catholic Church. Perhaps if you knew a little more about what the Church was about, then you would at least be in a position to throw actual stones (i.e., reasoned theological or sociological arguments against the Church). Instead, you waste your time and ours with what is, in fact, no argument at all. Well done.
What the H- are you talking about, the Pope is a good an loving person not a money grubber who lavishes his self in luxury. This Pope is on his way to being different from the passed Popes you must give him a chance to show us all what he is all about an how he's going to bring us all closer to GOD for get the different denominations out there LOOK FOR THE GOOD NOT THE BAD.
Prove he was "selling" indulgences.
Much of what the Catholic church does is not religious. Running a university, educating poor children and so on. There is a place for that. You are right the theology is just plain silly, but the test of what they do is us full.
Darlene, why don't you take up some research to support this assumption of yours? For decades I have been hearing this exact same thing from atheists and not a single one has been able to support these conclusions. You know why, because it's an opinion. Your conclusions are neither profound nor new, so lose the chip on your shoulder. Your comments are asinine, claiming a difference between religion and spirituality. When you tell other people that they have to give up religion for any reason, you are just as judgmental as the religious people who press their beliefs on you. Believe what you will and so will others.
Let's not forget that the pope is from Argentina.
Prayer changes things ,
No it really doesnt.
Yes it really does.
Prove it.
Prayer changes things
The Bible is loaded with cases where God killed children.
Read it.
No need to read the bible. God will kill us all eventually. So what's your point? Note, however, that the ending our physical existence is the opportunity to begin eternal life with Him ... and eternity of joy. Doesn't sound like that bad of a trade off, does it?
Grace is given to those God loves, better to be dead than raised atheist.
God loves everyone. Even atheists. Stop promoting hate. Thank you.
You might be right about some god loving everyone but first you have to prove there is a god, even just one.
Now my job to prove anything to you. Believe as you like; I couldn't care less.
*Not my job...
Atheists are just fine without putting faith, effort, and treasure into a fantasy book.
I feel really bad for you. I would rather kill myself if I ever believed in the things you believe in
Can't prove a "god". A "god" is an idol. However God is proven in Salvation every day and personally i know God. God makes Himself known to those He loves.
Just..."to those he loves". Are you saying that the man is also picky?
So why is it, your capricious god creates people for hell ?
Hell is the punishment for the fallen angels, only the human fools that reject Gods offer of redemption will go there and that by their own choice not by their creation.
Tell me where the Bible says hell is for "fallen angels" Prove there are angels. Then explain where you got "hell" when the Hebrew "Sheol" was NOT a place of punishment, AND the Hebrews did not even believe in immortality.
Have fun.
Love warns the sinner of the judgment to come. Hiding behind the word love is not love at all. True love tells of the horrors to come to sinners. If your eye causes you to sin pluck it out better to enter heaven blind than to be cast into hell whole. Better to be dead than raised in the corruption and filth of atheism.
Go loves everyone. Even atheists. Stop promoting hate. Thank you.
I agree. In any case, a loving God would not create people destined for hell.
Unfortunately, some people have made God out to be an egotistical narcissistic ogre whose main occupation is to find excuses to torture people forever. That believe is an insult to God.
Love does what ?
How do you know that ?
Oh wait. You make up nonsense and post it, and think people are dumb enough to buy it.
I get it. Never mind.
You are dismissed.
Truth is not hate, stupid is hate. Better to be dead than misleading people into hell through atheism or the lie that love will not punish sin.
Colin: You have gone over the edge.
This is the epitome of ignorance. Religion is not for you – for it clouds your mind
God loves everyone, even atheists. Stop promoting stupidity. Thank you.
That is hate. Just because you can rationalize your hatred and intolerance in order to scare others into your belief system, does not make it real. It certainly doesn't make it any more attractive. You want to believe your delusion, thats great. Many want no part of it, and we dont need any part of your dilluded pity either.
Those that will perish will go to any lengths to deny they are hurting themselves. Truth is not hate. Atheism leads to eternal death, better to be dead rather than be atheist.
Guess what Colin ?
You will be just as dead as any atheist. You tell yourself you will live forever. However you telling yourself a lie, does not make it true.
no
Too stupid to figure out how to use those complicated reply buttons?
no
Stupidity is to think God will not punish sin.
Stupidity is to believe in myths that have no evidence. A smart person would seek mental health services.
Remember that thought and see if it comforts you for your eternity in hell.
You shall not be the judge of that. Only God is. ONLY God is.
Stupidity is believing you speak for God, when you only speak for yourself.
It is in the book . Truth is not my words these are the words of God. Sin will be judged, those outside the grace of God will perish, those liars that say God will not judge will join them for they do not know the Truth and do not know God.
"the book" aka The Babble, for which there is zero evidence for any supernatural claim? Why do you believe such obvious crap?
When something is represented as true because it is believed to be true, is it a lie?
http://noticias.uol.com.br/album/2013/07/12/jornada-mundial-da-juventude-2013.htm#fotoNavId=pr10518070
Now that the Catholic church allows their members to read the Bible, people are realizing that the church does not follow the Bible. THAT is why so many of its people are leaving. The Bishops "getting out of the office", isn't going to change anything. Plus, they are still in the closet, do you really think they are going to get out of the office?
What planet are you from? There's a MASSIVE number of Lapsed Catholics coming back and MASSES more Converts to Catholicism!
Please............just try........... to Grab some facts , eh? LOL What a Muppet!
Yeah, thats why there are fewer catholics now then there were a decade ago, and so on back 30 years. More are leaving then are joining.
Is they why, deluded one, why 10 % of all Americans are ex-Catholics ?
I see what you consider "massive" is actually quite small.
BTW, don't tell your girlfriend that.
Here are the REAL facts. Does this show "massive" anything. ? Nope. It shows a church in deep trouble.
More parishes without permanent pastors. FAR fewer seminaries.
http://cara.georgetown.edu/CARAServices/requestedchurchstats.html
I can't say anything about the situation nationwide but I know that here in New England our seminaries are packed; in fact, if anything, they's slightly over-enrolled. And the situation is the same in Mi, IN, and OH (I have priest friends in all three states). Of course, not all of them will become priests ... but the numbers are quite good.
Albert, catholics don't read their bible? You are talking foolishness.
Actually, Jack, there was a time Catholics were not to read the bible on their own. That was before Vatican II. We were taught that growing up...The church didn't think we could interpret it correctly.... Not sure how old you are so maybe you don't remember that. I was a long time ago....things have changed and yes, Catholics have bible study like other churchs...no priest required to be present!
I am 68 years old, and that is nonsense. Maybe the RCC YOU were brought up in, but not mine. I was given a Bible at my First Communion, so I'm unsure of what you're talking about.
I guess Catholics realized the Bible was full of myths. Catholics were not told to Not read the bible, just that it wasn't necessary. They had there own Catechism. All of it pretty much BS
Be nice, Be good, Help others..That pretty much sums it up. No need to stone anyone.
The Bible has always been taught in the RCC. Stop being a hysteric. The RCC is responible for the Bible you read today, or does that little fact escape you?
Chela - If he's reading the King James version, that's not the Catholic version.
If he's reading the KJV, he's obviously not Catholic.
Hello!? That there are versions of the bible should clue you into that it's all bullshit. One would think that the creator of the universe could write a book that was in no need of "versions".
KJV was done for purely political reasons.
And tell me one church that DOES follow the Bible. Evangelicals are the worst at cherry-picking what they want to read and quote.
.
While I do not give a dime about the Pope, I think that he is going to make the streets run knee deep in RED apples ! !
.
As a person who grew up Catholic, I was ignorant of the fact that the RCC and the bible conflict on many issues. Once I have read the word of the living God, I realized that being born again and receiving salvation/grace through faith in Christ alone is all important to me. Since I have become saved by the blood of Jesus, I want to be the Lord's servant-proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of Christ...
There is only conflict where there is LACK of understanding!
As for the New Testament – it is so crystal clear that most of us understand it easily.
Born agains and other breakaway Christian groups rewrite the Bible to make it say what they want and THAT is Blasphemy and Pride of the worst kind. WHO has the right to change the Word Of God!
"Most of us" ? Is that why there are 31,000 sects of Jebus' religion ?
WACKO
How does church answers for Jesus is the most famous person that did not exist? Do we need religions that gets energy from scares? Has pope became more like a celebrity? Just questions, not statements.
The messages that Pope Francis is delivering in Brazil are very, very powerful and at the same time simple...just back to basics...I'm amazed at his sensibility and kindness to the people...somebody said :
" Nobody cares about us, or visit us and see how we survive here..., but the Pope came to my house and talked like a longtime friend...I cant' believe it"
I agree. We're very blessed to have this wonderful man as our Pope!
It's about time that the clerics gets off their butts. Without the "people" the Catholic church is nothing. Jesus Christ is missing. Ok, you nay Sayers give it to me, my God is at my side.
It would be better for priests not merely to "get out of the office", but to get out of the entire evil Catholic religion altogether and stop being its salesmen. Fortunately, it appears to be dying an accelerating death, regardless.
I'm not a member of the Roman Church and do not even approve of it. However, I really respect Francis, Bishop of Rome. He is like a breath of fresh air. Perhaps he will be able to reform the Roman Church so that it will be closer to what Jesus would want.
Or that's exactly what he is trying to make us think.
Regardless if the church reforms and gathers more people, they still do not follow the real 10 commandments that is in the bible. They changed a few commandments to make it fit with their religion. That's why if you look at the bible's 10 commandments, and look at the 10 commandments the catholic church teach, it is not the exact same thing.
So how is it any good to reform the church and have more people come under their wings if they are still teaching the wrong messages and Law that our God gave us?
Frank - specifically what commandments are different?
How does church answers for Jesus is the most famous person that did not exist? Do we need religions that gets energy from scares? Has pope became more like a celebrity? Just questions, not statements.
The Ayatollah to Islamic clerics: You need to get out of the office and give away bombs, toxic gases and all kinds of weapons to the people.
That is not fair. I am a Christian and Islam is not my religion. However, one of the Ten Commandments is "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." You are coming very close to doing that.
Why would you care about the 10 Commandments ? I thought you were free from the old law. Or is it only when you cherry pick your Bible, and pick and choose what you accept or not. ? You do know the 10 Commandments came from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, I hope.