Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Brazil which has the world's largest concentration of Catholics in the world. The Church is facing stiff competition from evangelical Protestant groups.
A recent study showed that 64% of Brazilians now consider themselves to be Catholic, compared with 74% ten years ago.
The pontiff has begun his trip in Sao Paolo.
Millions of people are expected to attend a series of open air Masses during the five day trip.
The highlight of his first Papal visit to the region will see him open a two-week think-in by Latin American and Caribbean bishops, who are increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of violence and the drugs trade.
