Fears for pope's safety as Rio riots
Pope Francis rejects idea of armoured popemobile for Brazil visit as demonstrations against state governor turn violent. WYD events are scheduled to be held from 23 July to 28 July 2013.
Security concerns are mounting in Rio de Janeiro as the city prepares for the pope's visit, after a riot in the upmarket beachside districts of Ipanema and Leblon continued into the early hours of Thursday.
Despite pressure from the Brazilian authorities, Pope Francis will not use his armoured popemobile during his week-long visit. Instead, he will greet crowds along Copacabana beach and a Guaratiba outside Rio from one of two open-topped SUVs.
Wednesday night's riot began as the latest in a series of demonstrations outside the house of Rio state governor Sérgio Cabral. Around 2,000 people were involved. Fighting broke out just before midnight and went on for two hours. Bank foyers, newsstands and public telephones were smashed, a shop looted and fires lit on residential streets.
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