Pope Francis to visit Rio slum during World Youth Day visit

It should come as no surprise that Pope Francis intends to visit a slum during his upcoming visit to Rio de Janero. He will also meet with prisoners.

VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online) - Pope Francis has announced his intention to visit a shanty town in Rio de Janero during his upcoming visit. The visit will be his first international trip as Pope.

Francis has selected the slum of Manguinhos as his destination. The slum is widely reputed for its drug violence and trafficking activity. Last year, a police operation cleared out much of the criminal element, however the shocking poverty of the residents remains.

Pope Francis has also arranged to meet with several prisoners during his trip.

The main purpose of the trip is to visit the world's youth as part of World Youth Day celebrations. World Youth Day occurs every two years and is an opportunity for young people to gather and see the pope. That event will last from July 23 through July 28.

Francis plans to meet the youth on July 25, and will also visit AIDS patients at a Rio hospital.

The World Youth Day festivities will be the only visit the Holy Father plans to make overseas this year. For next year, he has already planned a trip back to Argentina.

Pope Francis has had an electrifying effect on the Catholic Church and on millions of other Christians worldwide. Widely eschewing the trappings and privilege of wealth that come with the pontifical office, he has instead chosen to live in humble quarters wearing simple attire. He has made a point of wandering into crowds and being in direct contact with the people who come to see him.

In particular, he is fond of visiting the poor, the sick, and prisoners, to whom he is most dedicated.

His example has inspired many to pay greater attention to the poor and disenfranchised in their societies, thus already relieving the suffering of many people.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'