Pope Francis, more beloved than any rockstar

Pope Francis was given an unexpected opportunity to connect with the people of Brazil after his car took a wrong turn and landed him in the thick of a Rio crowd.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (Catholic Online) - Just minutes after arriving in Brazil, Pope Francis boarded a silver Fiat to drive to the location where his motorcade and jeep waited to give him a tour of the city. As that car made its way down the street, crowds pressed in against his car, slowing the procession.

Some parts of the route weren't lined with fencing and at one point, his driver turned onto the wrong side of a street. These factors led to the Pope's car being mobbed, repeatedly, by well wishers. Pope Francis appeared delighted with the enthusiasm of the crowd, although security officials were beside themselves.

Well wishers managed to reach into the Pope's car, where he touched hands with them. At one point, a woman offered her baby to the Pontiff, who kissed the child.

It was too much for the thirty to forty plainclothes security officials to handle. Yet, at no point was the Pope in any danger. Although his secretary reported being afraid, Francis was said to be delighted.

Eventually, the car arrived at its destination where Pope Francis transferred to his open-air jeep.

Pope Francis insisted on an open-air jeep to be closer to the people.

As the Pope passed by, waving at well wishers, people on the street cried tears of joy and shouted with enthusiasm.

Pope Francis may not be in immediate danger, the Brazil remains troubled. Anti-government protests were reported on the day of his arrival. The day before, police say they discovered a homemade bomb in a public restroom near a major Marian shrine where the Pope is scheduled to say Mass on Wednesday.

Authorities say the device was small and crude, and that the Pope did not appear to be the target of the bomb. There is no danger expected towards the Pope.

Pope Francis is unlikely to change his habits of plunging into crowds and being close to the people. Fortunately, every interaction he has had has produced only blessings for the people who love him. It is clear that the Holy Spirit is with Pope Francis, guiding and protecting him as he shepherds us, is flock, to greater glory with God.

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