Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jul 23, 2013 / 11:03 am
The boy who greeted the Holy Father upon his arrival in Brazil said he could not find the words to describe what it was like to be so near the Successor of Peter.
"It's very emotional – I have no words," nine year-old Gustavo Silva Clemente told CNA July 22 shortly after greeting Pope Francis at Galeao Air Force Base in Rio de Janeiro.
Wearing a rosary around his neck, the young boy presented the Pope with flowers as part of the welcoming ceremony for the Holy Father on his first trip back to Latin America since his election.
Gustavo seemed very excited but, overcome with emotion, was unable to say anything else.
The child's mother, Ana Lucia Silva Clemente, who looked on as her son greeted the Pontiff, said she hopes his trip will bless Brazil and its young people.
"I also hope that Pope Francis' trip brings peace, hope and joy to all of us who need it very much," she said.
After his departure from the air base, swarms of faithful crowded Pope Francis small car to the point where he was unable to pass. From an aerial view, thousands of people could be seen running and crowding along the boulevard in hopes of catching a glimpse, or even touching, the Pope.
Security guards, some even hanging out the car's window, struggled to keep the crowds back, though Pope Francis was all smiles and seemed peaceful among the frenzy around him.
The Holy Father has traveled to Brazil to participate in World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. The event, which officially begins July 23, will conclude with an open-air Mass on July 28 as well as the announcement for the next location for the international youth pilgrimage.