Police in Brazil moved in and occupied three favelas surrounding the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue overlooking Rio De Janeiro’s skyline.  The operation was connected to the impending visit of Pope Francis in July.

No clashes were reported in the predawn raid.  The three slum districts are known as Cerro-Cora, Vila Candido, and Guararapes.  All three were built on the hillsides around the Corcovado mountain, topped by the “Cristo Redantor”, one of the city's best loved tourist attractions.

4 Hundred members of the Pacifying Police Units (UPP) moved in with the intention of pushing out drug dealers, and searched homes for drugs and weapons;  police say they found ammunition, radio transmitters, and marijuana, but no one was arrested.

The Pope visits Rio in late July for World Youth Day, an annual event for local Catholic Dioceses, but an international event every few years including this one.

The operation foreshadows what is sure to be more activity for the UPPs.  This year is the Pope’s visit:  Next year the 2014 World Cup gets underway.  Two years after he leaves is the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.