One of the biggest crowds ever seen in Portugal mobbed Pope Francis as he rode in an open vehicle to a rally where he told an ocean of young Catholics from all over the world to beware the false happiness lurking in social media
Francis was driven along the streets of the Portuguese capital in a white "popemobile" past people waving the national flags of scores of countries, converging on the sprawling Edward VII park.
Thursday's early evening event was the first of several with the pope for World Youth Day, a gathering that takes place every three years in a different city. The event, which opened on Tuesday, will close with a papal Mass on Sunday. The festival is taking place in the shadow of Portugal's version of the Church's global sex abuse crisis, following the publication of a report six months ago that said at least 4,815 minors had been sexually abused by clergy over seven decades.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pope, in Portugal to rally young Catholics, says Church needs purificationPope Francis on Wednesday said the Catholic Church needs a 'humble and ongoing purification' to deal with the 'anguished cries' of victims of clerical sexual abuse, who he met privately on the first day of his visit to Portugal.
Read more »
Pope, in Portugal, says Church needs 'humble purification' because of abusePope Francis, speaking months after a damning report on sexual abuse in Portugal, on Wednesday said that the Church must submit itself to 'humble and ongoing purification' and always listen to victims.
Read more »
Pope Francis blasts 'scandal' of clergy abuse in Portugal as he arrives for World Youth DayPope Francis blasted Portugal’s clergy for the scandal of clergy sex abuse, saying their actions had marred the church and helped drive the faithful away.
Read more »
Pope Francis blasts 'scandal' of clergy sex abuse in Portugal and meets with survivorsPope Francis has met with survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Portugal, and the Vatican says he listened intently to them. After arriving in Lisbon, Francis also blasted Portugal's Catholic hierarchy for its response to the country's sex abuse scandal.
Read more »
Pope Francis blasts 'scandal' of clergy sex abuse in Portugal and meets with survivorsPope Francis has met with survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Portugal, and the Vatican says he listened intently to them. After arriving in Lisbon for the Catholic Church's World Youth Day festival, Francis also blasted members of Portugal's Catholic hierarchy for their response to the country's sex abuse scandal.
Read more »