Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug 5, 2011 / 11:39 am
The Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro addressed recent comments made by the city's mayor, claiming that the 2013 World Youth Day will be held in Rio.
The press secretary for the archdiocese, Adionel Carlos da Cunha, told CNA that the recent comments by Rio's Mayor Eduard Paes express the wishes of the people in Rio de Janeiro but cannot be interpreted as a Vatican confirmation of Rio as next city to host the World Youth Day.
Mayor Paes recently told the press that the 2013 World Youth Day will be held in Rio de Janeiro. He added that the official announcement would be made later this month.
However, the archdiocesan spokesman told CNA on Aug. 4 that while the city wishes to be selected as the next World Youth Day site, the confirmation will come only on the morning of Aug. 21 when the Pope himself reveals his choice.