Pope Francis gets warm welcome in Brazil

Pope Francis who is on his first foreign trip as pontiff received warm welcome as well as unexpected protests from thousands of Brazilians on Monday.

The 76-year-old Argentine who is also the first Latin American pontiff has started his week-long visit in Brazil as he reached Rio de Janeiro and was cheered by thousands of Catholics, followed by violent protests from rioters as he met President Dilma Rousseff at the state governor’s palace.

Police used tear gas, water cannons and stun grenades to dissolve the rioters. Brazil is unrest for the last few months as the youth has almost lost its faith on President Rousseff government. Thousands of Brazilians protesting against corruption, unemployment, sluggish economic growth and poor services for the last few weeks.

“I have learned that, to gain access to the Brazilian people, it is necessary to pass through its great heart; so let me knock gently at this door,” Francis said at the governor’s palace.

Pope Francis will attend World Youth Day which is expected to be attended by 1.5 million young Roman Catholics.

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