Pope Benedict greets and thanks WYD volunteers

Crédito: EFE Autor: Chema Moya

August 21, 2011 – Strains of a traditional “sevillana” filled the thick, hot air as crowds gathered in front of the papal nunciature strained to catch a glimpse of Pope Benedict XVI during one of his final public appearances in Madrid.

Pope Benedict would make one stop at Madrid´s IFEMA fair grounds to meet with WYD volunteers, then on to Barajas International Airport to board his flight to Rome.

At IFEMA an estimated 9,000 WYD volunteers waited eagerly for the Holy Father.

The Holy Father was greeted by seven volunteers who represent different parts of the world.
He then took to the stage where the a group of long term international volunteers were
waiting for the pope, singing.

Javier, a 25 year old volunteer, spoke on behalf of all WYD volunteers saying, “when
you invited us to Madrid for this world youth day, we were filled with great joy” He
continued, “thanks you for believing in us. We have a desire to work and to learn and the
Church gives us the chance to do that.”

Crédito: EFE Autor: Chema Moya

Giselle Azevedo, a 28 year old long term volunteer from Rio de Janeiro, took the podium next. Speaking in Spanish she said “I participated in World Youth Day in Cologne. That’s why I’m here today. I was moved by the way the joy of the young people” She said her experience in Cologne showed her that the church is alive and it is young and “it is where I belong. I desired to live giving the best of myself to the church.” Giselle continued , saying the WYD volunteers
have all had a similar personal experience with Christ and that experience was the reason they
came to work with WYD.

“We received so much more than we gave,” Giselle said. Continuing in Portugese she thanked the Holy Father for choosing Rio de Janeiro as the site of the next WYD in 2013 saying, “I and all the youth of Brazil wait for you at WYD 2013.”

Pope Benedict appeared somewhat tired but joyful as he blessed the volunteers before getting into the car that would take him to the airport.

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