Pope lavishes praise on Brazilians for warm welcome during World Youth Day

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis lavished praise on Brazilians for their warm welcome during his weeklong visit for World Youth Day.

Francis expressed his gratitude during the traditional Angelus Sunday blessing. He commented that there were many young people in St. Peter's Square, saying: "It looks like Rio di Janeiro."

The pope called Brazilians "good people," ''people with a huge heart" and "a generous people," and added: "I won't forget the warm welcome."

Francisco told the faithful that youth like those who gathered with him in Brazil "are especially sensitive to the void of meaning and values that often surround them. And unfortunately they pay the price."

The Argentine-born pontiff's trip to Brazil, his first abroad since becoming pope in March, drew millions for the youth festival.