Embracing the Pope Brazil-style

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How to greet the pope?

That was the dilemma facing young people invited to meet Pope Benedict XVI during his just-completed visit to Brazil . The half dozen youths selected were instructed to kiss the pontiff’s ring, as is customary.

But Aline Lacerda, 24, said she felt “appalled” that the pope would leave her homeland without having received “a good, typical, spontaneous Brazilian hug.” Others agreed. A plot was launched — and it seemed the pope himself was a willing accomplice.

During the encounter at São Paulo’s Pacaembu Stadium, Benedict held the arms of Rodrigo Rosa, 21, so firmly that “it was impossible to kiss his ring.” So Rosa resorted to instinct: He hugged the pope. A group hug of the pontiff followed before the youths went back to their places. The pope beamed, seeming thrilled with the break in protocol and his abraço brasileiro.

Posted by Patrick J. McDonnell and Cristiana Coimbra in São Paulo