The final major events of World Youth Day have been moved from their planned location in Guaratiba, 30 miles outside the Rio, which three days of heavy rain has reduced to a field of mud. The new venue for a prayer vigil and final Mass, scheduled for July 27 and July 28 respectively, will be the city's Copacabana Beach. Archbishop Orani Tempesta of Rio made the announcement today. As many as 1.5 million people are expected to attend the events, both to be presided over by Pope Francis. Organisers had provided facilities and security for up to 900,000 to camp out at Guaratiba the night of July 28. According to local media reports, Church officials will now ask participants to go home for the night rather than camp out on Copacabana Beach.
12:15 AM
WYD 2013: Final events moved because of downpour in Rio
Closing vigil and Mass will now take place on Copacabana Beach
Francis X Rocca

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