With President Danilo Medina and his family in attendance, the prelates of the Dominican Catholic Church, headed by the Papal Nuncio and Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez, offered a Mass of Thanksgiving dedicated to Pope Francisco and the young people who will travel to the World Youth Day in Rio de Janiero. The mass was also dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Dominican Council of Bishops and held in the First Cathedral in the New World. During his sermon, Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez stressed the qualities of Pope Francisco, known for his humility and straight talk. He said that the Pope wants the Dominican faithful to pray more and to reflect more on his intentions. The Papal Nuncio and the Cardinal blessed the group of young people that will go to Rio de Janeiro and join young people from all over the world.