In the biggest event of his papacy to date, Francis held mass for millions on Copacabana beach, visited slums, met convicts and even wore a sombrero. Even more striking than his choice of headwear was his choice of words on the trip, as his unconventional message caused a stir at every event during his week-long stay. He called on young people to make ‘a mess’ and cause trouble in the dioceses: ‘I want to get rid of clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes, schools or structures.’
The theme of World Youth Day was ‘Go and make disciples of all people’. Pope Francis said: ‘The gospel is for everyone, not just for some. It is not only for those who seem closer to us, more receptive, more welcoming. It is for everyone. Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem farthest away, most indifferent.’
World Youth Day was also celebrated in the UK at the Brightlights festival. Hundreds of young people gathered for the four day catholic festival in Kent which saw a live video stream of the events in Brazil. Fr Christopher Jamison OSB said: ‘At the Brightlights festival, we laughed with Britain’s most recently ordained stand-up comedian, sang with our deaf friends using our hands and celebrated Mass with a video link to Rio. World Youth Day at Home was great.’
