The faithful are getting ready for World Youth Day 2013

Young Catholics from several countries are preparing for the big World Youth Day (WYD) this July 23 in Rio de Janeiro.

Twelve days before the meeting with Pope Francisco, temples, theaters, auditoriums and schools are being prepared by the organizers for the arrival of millions of pilgrims from around the world who hope to renew their vows of faith to the Catholic Church.

This activity has been going on for 23 years in Brazil, after being officially instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1985. WYD is held every three years, the last held in 2011 was convened and led by emeritus pope Benedict XVI.

From the Vatican, Pope Francisco confirmed his attendance at the meeting with the youth in Rio, which will be his first trip abroad since his election as Pope on March 13.

It is expected the interaction of the Argentine pope with about two million young people in an event that involves activities like pilgrimages, concerts, music, prayer, Via Crucis, confession, cultural exchanges, among others.

It is estimated that about two thousand Ecuadorians will travel from different provinces.