In a simple ceremony today on the balcony of Rio's municipal palace, Pope Francis received the key to the city from Mayor Eduardo Paes.

Two youth, one in a wheelchair, gave the large key in a box to the Pope, as the mayor assisted him in opening it.

Afterward, the Pontiff used holy water to bless the Olympic and Paralympic flags.

Brazil will host the Olympics in 2016.

"Morning Watchmen" at the Shrine of the Youth

Yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, July 23, Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta presided over the opening ceremony of Rio’s WYD with thousands of young people and hundreds of Bishops who defied a subtle and persistent rain, which recalled Gideon’s fleece, given the challenge of the New Evangelization.