Young people from around the world filled Brazil's famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, as Pope Francis continued to play his part in celebrating World Youth Day.

The pope arrived in Brazil, on his first international visit as head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City, on 22 July. The Argentina-born pontiff signalled his joining in the festivities for World Youth Day on 25 July, with a welcome speech to young people around the world.

"Do not allow the disposable culture into your hearts, because we are indeed brothers and sisters. No one is disposable. All that is shared is multiplied. You are not alone. The church is with you, the pope is with you," the 76-year-old pope told the crowd.

World Youth Day celebrations will conclude with a large open-air mass, presided over by the pope. The mass will take place on Sunday, on Copacabana Beach, and will be attended by a number of political leaders from Latin-American countries, including Argentine President Cristina Fernandez.

The pope is also expected to lead mass at the San Sebastiano Cathedral in the city and meet Brazilian political figures at the Teatro Municipal.

Scroll down to view some of the most stunning aerial shots of Copacabana Beach area packed with crowds celebrating the World Youth Day...

Pope at World Youth Day 2013
Copacabana beach area is packed with young people from around the world for Youth Day Celebrations. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
People reportedly gathered early hours in the morning to grant the pope a warm welcome. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
Pope Francis (C) stands on a stage while presiding the Catholic Church's World Day of Youth at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, July 25, 2013. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
Catholic pilgrims await the arrival of Pope Francis for the Via Crucis at Copacabana beach in Rio. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
The Catholic faithful carry a cross as Pope Francis attends a Via Crucis. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
People gather at Copacabana beach where Pope Francis presided World Youth Day's celebrations. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
Pope Francis greets the crowd as he rides in the popemobile along Copacabana Beach. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
Pope Francis attends a Via Crucis at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, July 26, 2013. Pope Francis on Thursday issued the first social manifesto of his young pontificate, telling slum dwellers in Brazil that the world's rich must do much more to wipe out vast inequalities between the haves and the have-nots. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
Pope Francis is on a week-long visit to Brazil for World Youth Day. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
People crowd Copacabana beach as they wait for Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
Lifeguards patrol offshore as Catholic pilgrims await the arrival of Pope Francis on Copacabana beach. REUTERS
Pope at World Youth Day 2013
Catholic pilgrims watch video of Pope Francis as they await his arrival. REUTERS
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