Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jul 31, 2013 / 17:48 pm
Archbishop Orani Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro said World Youth Day 2013 has had a positive impact on the country, not only in economic terms, but also as far as Catholic witness.
"Copacabana has never seen so many joyful and peaceful people committed to building a better world," he said, referring to the more than three million young people who lined the beach for the Closing Mass.
Speaking at a July 30 press conference to thank volunteers, host families and organizers of World Youth Day, the archbishop said the event's success can ultimately be attributed to God.
He pointed to numerous changes that had taken place during the planning process.