Members of the Catholic Church in Mexico Anticipate the Visit of Pope Benedict XVI

Members of the Catholic Church in Mexico Anticipate the Visit of Pope Benedict XVI

With just over a month until Pope Benedict XVI makes his much-anticipated visit to Cuba and Mexico, members of the Catholic Church in Mexico eagerly prepare for his arrival. The visit is significant in multiple respects, as it indicates the church’s support of the people of Mexico as well as the continued development of the country.

Furthermore, the visit will be in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Latin American country’s independence. On this end, Pope Benedict XVI spoke passionately of the “journey of integration” which the continent has undergone, as well as its new emerging central role in the world.

“Who isn’t touched by the Mexicans’ affection for the Pope, by their enthusiasm when they come to see him in Rome?” said Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office. “Who doesn’t remember the triumphal welcome that they gave John Paul II during each of the five trips he made to Mexico in his lifetime; and today, when so many of them travel to the pilgrim shrine established in his memory?”

After spending his first night in Mexico City, Pope Benedict XVI will travel to León, Mexico’s 6th largest city, located in the state of Guanajuato. Here he will celebrate in Bicentennial Park, set up in the geographic center of Mexico to commemorate the country’s independence.

While it is still unclear how many members of the Catholic Church in Mexico will attend Sunday mass with the pope on March 25th, upward of 300,000 are expected to participate.

For Mexico and the city of Léon, the pope’s visit signifies much more than the opportunity to see an iconic religious leader. It represents the church’s public support of the Mexican people and, in a time of transition and growth for Mexico, it represents progress and hope for the country’s future.