Reflects on Plans for March Trip
ROME, JAN. 10, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The director of the Vatican press office says that Benedict XVI will visit Mexico this March in a trip that is significant for the whole continent.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi dedicated his weekly editorial to reflect on the motivations for the Mexico trip, "and on the significance of that visit for the whole continent."
"As he celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December, Pope Benedict expressed his desire to participate in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the independence of the Latin American countries. He spoke enthusiastically of the 'journey of integration' of this 'dear continent' and 'of its new, emerging central role in the world,' pointing out the horizons of fully human growth, and of the 'continental mission' of 'new evangelization,'" Father Lombardi recalled. "So he has now chosen to go to one of the most populous Hispanic countries, to continue the celebration there with representatives of the Latin American episcopal conferences, in 'Bicentennial Park' at the foot of the Cerro del Cubilete. From the park, recently built in the exact geographic center of Mexico, in the place where the National Sanctuary of Christ the King stands, the Pope will spiritually embrace the whole country."
The Vatican spokesman also noted the "Mexicans' affection for the Pope," asking who isn't touched by "their enthusiasm when they come to see him in Rome?"
"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?" Father Lombardi continued. "Twenty years ago, when diplomatic relations with the Holy See were established, the country recognized the deep Catholic soul of its people. Pope Benedict knew he had to go to Mexico, and he wanted to choose a place where his predecessor hadn't been able to go.
"Benedict's mission is the same as that of his predecessor; it is an ongoing mission, a mission that is continually growing and developing. May his visit to Mexico contribute to efforts to overcome poverty and violence, and bring an increase of hope and peace to Mexico, and all of Latin America."
ROME, JAN. 10, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The director of the Vatican press office says that Benedict XVI will visit Mexico this March in a trip that is significant for the whole continent.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi dedicated his weekly editorial to reflect on the motivations for the Mexico trip, "and on the significance of that visit for the whole continent."
"As he celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December, Pope Benedict expressed his desire to participate in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the independence of the Latin American countries. He spoke enthusiastically of the 'journey of integration' of this 'dear continent' and 'of its new, emerging central role in the world,' pointing out the horizons of fully human growth, and of the 'continental mission' of 'new evangelization,'" Father Lombardi recalled. "So he has now chosen to go to one of the most populous Hispanic countries, to continue the celebration there with representatives of the Latin American episcopal conferences, in 'Bicentennial Park' at the foot of the Cerro del Cubilete. From the park, recently built in the exact geographic center of Mexico, in the place where the National Sanctuary of Christ the King stands, the Pope will spiritually embrace the whole country."
The Vatican spokesman also noted the "Mexicans' affection for the Pope," asking who isn't touched by "their enthusiasm when they come to see him in Rome?"
"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?" Father Lombardi continued. "Twenty years ago, when diplomatic relations with the Holy See were established, the country recognized the deep Catholic soul of its people. Pope Benedict knew he had to go to Mexico, and he wanted to choose a place where his predecessor hadn't been able to go.
"Benedict's mission is the same as that of his predecessor; it is an ongoing mission, a mission that is continually growing and developing. May his visit to Mexico contribute to efforts to overcome poverty and violence, and bring an increase of hope and peace to Mexico, and all of Latin America."