WYD officials calm fears over protests in Brazil

Brazilian prelate claims: 'Protesters themselves are insisting there be no violence'

Photo credit: catholicseeking.blogspot.com

While recent protests in Brazil have gained much publicity, the World Youth Day organization and Brazil's police force are positive this year's celebration will be peaceful and calm.

Photo credit: newsinfo.inquirer.net

"There will not be any safety issues, whether for the Pope or for those in attendance, as we are studying everything down to the smallest details," Domenico Giani, Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Police Force, said. The protests began when prices increased for public transport, later growing into a call for better public service from the government and an end to corruption.

Operation centres, patrols, and over 1,000 agents will be distributed across several venues. Archbishop Joao Tempesta Orani of Rio de Janerio commented to the press last month, saying that he has been assured by public authorities that the protests will not affect World Youth Day.

The Secretary General of Brazil’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Leonardo Steiner, has expressed optimism that calm will reign among participants at recent protests, some of which have turned violent, in Brazil. Pope Francis is due to preside at World Youth Day Rio celebrations in the South American nation from July 23-28. 

The Brazilian prelate told Vatican Radio “the protesters themselves are insisting that there be no violence.”

Read the full article on the Vatican Radio website.