Pope mobbed after wrong turn in Rio

The Pope was mobbed by thousands of admirers after his driver took a wrong turn in Rio de Janeiro.

08:40 24 July 2013

A huge crowd in Rio de Janeiro were surprised when the popemobile took a wrong turn and ended up on a boulevard. Thousands of people who were wishing to get a closer look at the Pope lined the streets, reportedly reaching into the pope’s open window.

Although it was a delightful experience for worshippers, it was a nightmare scene for security officials.

The Pope is in Brazil for the Roman Catholic World Youth Day Festival.

In his speech, he said: "I came to meet young people coming from all over the world, drawn to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer.”

"They want to find a refuge in his embrace, right near his heart to hear his call clearly and powerfully."

About an hour after the welcoming ceremony, police had to use tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the angry crowd outside the government’s Guanabara Palace.

People have been protesting against endemic government corruption across the country. It has been reported that some were also unhappy as their government spent £34million in public fund for the pontiff’s visit.