MEXICO: Catholic faithful in Mexico hope Pope Benedict's March trip will bring peace to the drug-ravaged country as organisers put the finishing touches on preparations for the much-anticipated visit

Record ID: 304991

  • Title: MEXICO: Catholic faithful in Mexico hope Pope Benedict's March trip will bring peace to the drug-ravaged country as organisers put the finishing touches on preparations for the much-anticipated visit
  • Date: 31st January 2012
  • Summary: YOUNGSTERS KNEELING TO PRAY IMAGE OF VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE IN SANCTUARY CHRIST OF THE '"CERRO DEL CUBILETE" SURROUNDED BY RESTORATION WORKS PILGRIM'S T-SHIRT THAT READS: "Welcome Benedict XVI" WRITTEN ON BACK
  • Embargoed: 15th February 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico, Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: International Relations,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVAA7063T5MOFVH0E9KLTWIVU4OW
  • Story Text: Young pilgrims in Mexico descended on the colonial town of Silao on Sunday (January 28) as scores of faithful count down to Pope Benedict's upcoming visit.
    The 84-year-old pontiff is scheduled to lead a huge mass at "El Cubilete," a Catholic sanctuary built on top of a hill as part of his three-day visit to the country.
    With his popular predecessor Pope John Paul II still revered by millions across the country, worshippers are confident he will capture the nation's heart in his first visit to the Latin American nation.
    "He's a shepherd of God. He was chosen by God and his coming is very important because he's following up on what Pope John Paul II started and did for us," said young pilgrim, Victoria Allen.
    With less than two months to go and tens of thousands of expected, eager pilgrims have kicked off festivities in the lead up to the March 23 visit.
    With a focus on young worshippers, organisers hope to show that the Catholic faith remains as strong as ever amongst Mexican youth.
    "This will be an opportunity to listen to the message he has for us, we won't regret it. There is always something God wants us to know," said pilgrim, Carolina Soto.
    With the motto for pilgrims being "Christ Our Peace," faithful hope the pontiff's message of peace and love will ripple throughout the country as it battles drug cartels in an increasingly bloody war.
    Pope Benedict is scheduled to meet with Mexican President Felipe Calderon whose clampdown on drug trafficking north has killed over 46,000 people.
    Church officials hope the papal visit will empower millions across the country to drive positive change in the country.
    Nevertheless Leon Archbishop, Jose Guadalupe Martin Rabago, said Mexicans should not expect the country to miraculously change with the pontiffs visit.
    "Evidently, the Pope will bring a message as I have said. A message of reconciliation, of creating an atmosphere of justice and peace. That's the idea but let's not think that with his visit Mexico will immediately change. That would be an illusion, but the Pope will come and spread a recognised message which will surely have an impact. He comes to show us how to live in peace, with justice and reconciliation and I think his visit will be extremely valuable."
    Leon resident, Juan Ernesto Rodriguez, said he was excited about the Pope's visit.
    "We need to change so that his (Pope's) life example helps us to change. His words have a soothing effect on humanity and above all for people who live in Leon, who will have the opportunity to see him step on our soil and visit us. I'm very happy about his visit."
    Taking place just before Easter, the visit will be the first for the Pope in the largely conservative Catholic country. The pontiff and his entourage are then expected to continue its Latin America tour to Cuba before returning home.
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