In his message for the next World Youth Day, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 23-28 July 2013 on the theme, Go and make disciples of all nations (Mt. 28:19), Pope Benedict XVI invites young people to be the first missionaries among their contemporaries, in particular in the world of the Internet and the new technologies. He urges them to share the beauty of their meeting with Jesus, together with the joy that springs from that encounter.
Referring to the celebrated statue of Christ the Redeemer with its widespread arms embracing the city of Rio, the Pope declares: “Be yourselves the heart and arms of Jesus! Go forth and bear witness to his love! Be a new generation of missionaries, impelled by love and openness to all!” “Let nothing-whether difficulties or lack of understanding–discourage you from bringing the Gospel of Christ wherever you find yourselves.”