Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jul 23, 2013 / 04:06 am
A group of young people who traveled 18 hours on a plane to make it to Brazil for World Youth Day say the trip was worthwhile just to participate with their peers and hopefully to see the Pope.
"It has been a very tiring trip, but now we are very happy to be here and to see the Pope," Clara, 27, told CNA on July 22 after nearly two days of air travel and countless layovers.
The group of about 50 young people hails from the coastal nation of Mozambique located on the southeast corner of Africa and is bordered by the Indian Ocean.
"We hope that everything is wonderful," Clara said.
Another member of the group, Isaquiel, who is 28, said that the trip cost each of the pilgrims about 55,000 metes – or about 1,600 dollars – but that the time and cost "was worth it" just to be in Rio de Janeiro to join in the celebration.
Nineteen year-old Oscar said he is excited to hear Pope Francis' message to young people. He hopes that one day Africa will be included in the Holy Father's travels.
"We know he's not going right now," he said, "but we would like him to."
The group arrived in Rio on July 20, three days before the official start of the 28th World Youth Day.
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