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(Image source: O Globo)
BY ELIZABETH HAGEDORN
In his first international trip as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was greeted
by both ecstatic followers and outraged citizens.
Tens of thousands of Catholic pilgrims welcomed the pope for this year's World Youth Day — even
mobbing his car in the streets of Rio de Janeiro. (Via France 24)
"The 76-year-old pontiff looked calm, rolling down the windows, waving to the crowd and
touching those who reached inside." (Via Sky News)
"A nightmare for his security entourage. A blessing for a child the pontiff summoned
from the crowd with his mother. It was a gesture repeated over and over." (Via Al Jazeera)
For some, the trip highlights his perceived modesty. The New York Times writes: "The proximity
and lack of pageantry offered yet another example of a Jesuit pontiff who has eschewed
the red shoes, elaborate headgear and luxurious papal apartments of his predecessors."
But it was a less than warm reception for the first Latin American pope after his helicopter
took off. Protesters filled the streets of Rio — angry not at Francis but at the Brazilian
government's spending habits. (Via BBC)
Hundreds of angry protesters hurled firebombs at police, who resorted to tear gas and water
cannons to disperse the crowds. (Via NBC)
In recent weeks, Brazil has seen widespread anger and public protests over high public
spending on the Olympics and World Cup. Added to that is the pope's $53 million week-long
visit. (Via euronews)
Though some 22,000 security personnel were on hand to protect the pope, Francis' decision
to forgo the bulletproof popemobile in favor an open-topped car provided an extra security
concern. (Via Rome Reports)
Fox News explains yet another challenge, writing: "Francis' itinerary will at some points push
him out of the reach of all but his immediate security detail, entrusting much of his protection
to the crowd of faithful."
Authorities also found a small homemade bomb in the bathroom at a shrine the pope was set
to visit later in the week, but the Vatican said it did not see it as a threat.