In pictures: Pope in Brazil

Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Brazil for a five-day visit, his first as pontiff to the world's most populous Catholic country.

On the flight to Sao Paulo, the Pope spoke to journalists, describing his opposition to any move to legalise abortion in Roman Catholic countries.

The Pope was met by President Lula, and later made his way through the streets of Sao Paulo by "popemobile".

Large crowds gathered in Sao Paulo to hear the pontiff speak for the first time on his visit.

The Pope spoke from behind a protective screen at the Sao Bento monastery, where he is staying while in the city.

The Pope prayed at a chapel in the monastery in the evening after his arrival.

During his visit the Pope will address a gathering of youth, amid concerns over dwindling membership of the Church in the region.

The divisive issue of abortion has overshadowed talks between the Pope and the Brazilian president but it has not been directly discussed.

On Sunday, the Pope will open a conference of Latin American bishops in the sanctuary town of Aparecida.

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