Crowds swarm papal car as Pope Francis arrives in Brazil
- 11 years ago
Crowds swarmed the sedan carrying Pope Francis through the streets of Rio de Janeiro on Monday.
It was the first day of a weeklong visit to Brazil, his first trip abroad since becoming Pope in March.
More than 20,000 soldiers, police and security officials were deployed for the visit.
But his security team seemed challenged at times to keep swarming crowds at a comfortable distance.
Francis had announced his plans to travel around the city in a vehicle and to occasionally mix with the large throngs expected to turn out.
That couldn't have put security teams at ease.
Protests are planned during his visit, mostly by feminists, gay rights groups and others who disagree with the Church's social doctrines.
And there were other reasons for security concerns.
The papal visit comes amid growing economic and social dissatisfaction in Brazil.
Brazilian officials hope the Pope's message of solidarity with the poor will minimize the possibility
It was the first day of a weeklong visit to Brazil, his first trip abroad since becoming Pope in March.
More than 20,000 soldiers, police and security officials were deployed for the visit.
But his security team seemed challenged at times to keep swarming crowds at a comfortable distance.
Francis had announced his plans to travel around the city in a vehicle and to occasionally mix with the large throngs expected to turn out.
That couldn't have put security teams at ease.
Protests are planned during his visit, mostly by feminists, gay rights groups and others who disagree with the Church's social doctrines.
And there were other reasons for security concerns.
The papal visit comes amid growing economic and social dissatisfaction in Brazil.
Brazilian officials hope the Pope's message of solidarity with the poor will minimize the possibility