Rio de Janeiro's Guaratiba neighborhood will host the vigil on Saturday, July 27, and the closing Mass for World Youth Day 2013.

Guaratiba, in the western part of Rio de Janeiro (Zona Oeste), has been chosen as the location for the Vigil and Closing Mass for World Youth Days 2013, on the 27th and 28th of July respectively.

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On the solemn feast of Christ the King (25 November 2012), 206 representatives from 75 countries from all over the world gathered at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel's, former Cathedral, in the center of Rio de Janeiro for the opening Mass of the Second Preparatory Meeting for WYD Rio2013.

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The World Youth Day office in Rio has produced a music video, inviting young people from all around the world to register to take part in the WYD2013 Youth Festival!

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The Pope wrote a letter, addressed to all the youths who are planning on going to World Youth Day in Rio the coming month of July. He explains the significance of the theme, which is “Go and Make Disciples of All Nations.” In his letter, the Pope says that God loves all people, even those who are far from Him, whether geographically, or because their culture gives no place to God.

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Here is the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's message to young people in preparation for World Youth Day 2013 which will be held in Rio de Janeiro.

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Registrations for the World Youth Day 2013 Youth Festival cultural performances are now open, and participants have been signing up from all around the world! The festival will promote a cultural exchange through the evangelization of young people. According to Paloma Lladó, the Executive Secretary of the Cultural Acts Sector for WYD, the Youth Festival is a way to find God in the performing arts.

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Pilgrims, volunteers and journalists who have confirmed a connection with World Youth Day and also received a document signed by the WYD’s Local Organizer committee will be exempted from application fees for entrance visas to Brazil.

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Mission Week is an event that will precede World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. It will involve dioceses from all around Brazil that will host pilgrims as they take part in active mission work in the area.

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Making sure everything is ready for the Pope’s next international meeting with young people, some 40,000 volunteers are making the final preparations for the next World Youth Day to be held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2013.