Pope’s Mass to mark 200 years of Latin America’s freedom

(October 14, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI will mark 200 years of the independence of the people of Latin America with a Mass in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica, according to the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for Latin America. A communiqué by the commission said the Eucharistic Celebration will take place on 12 December, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of Latin America. The Vatican office explained that "this initiative is a gesture of the concern, affection and solidarity felt by the Holy Father towards the peoples and nations of the 'Continent of Hope', as it has been called by Roman Pontiffs from Paul VI to Benedict XVI.” “It is a clear expression of the pastoral solicitude with which Benedict XVI embraces those peoples, among whom the Gospel of Jesus Christ was sown and brought forth precious fruit.” The Pontifical Commission for Latin America noted the region represents “40 percent of the baptised of the Catholic Church, united in filial devotion to Mary Most Holy, while their local Churches remain in faithful communion with the See of Peter". "The initiative is indicative of the original contribution the Catholic Church wishes to make to the commemoration of this bicentenary, in the light of historical truth, so as to throw light on the current situation in Latin America and nourish hope in a future of peace and justice".