Pope urges Latin American Countries to promote Reconciliation, Brotherhood and Solidarity

December 13, 2011: Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the bicentennial of the independence of Latin American and Caribbean countries on Monday with a solemn Eucharist for Latin America in the Vatican Basilica at 5.30 pm Italian time. It also marked the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whom the Pope called as ‘the Mother of America and Star of Evangelization’. Presiding over the solemn Eucharist, the Pope wanted to express his pastoral concern for the people commemorating the emancipation process occurred in the years 1808-1824.

Present on the occasion were several cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, members of the Diplomatic Corps of Latin American countries accredited to the Holy See, officials of the Curia, as well as representatives of migrant communities.
The Pope said that ‘the Successor of Peter could not let this occasion pass without expressing the joy of the Church for the abundant gifts that God in His infinite goodness has poured during these years, on those beloved nations, which with so much love invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary.’

Speaking in Portuguese, the pope said that God is the One who deserves all honor and glory, as he continues to show his love for all men today, especially those who are facing hardships.

The pope continued in Spanish and said that we now need to praise God for the wonders he has wrought in the life of the peoples of Latin America and the world.

Pope Benedict XVI also exhorted the Latin America countries to promote and facilitate reconciliation and brotherhood, solidarity and care for the environment, while strengthening efforts to overcome poverty, illiteracy and corruption.

The prayers and chants of the liturgy were in Spanish and Portuguese and was performed by the choir of the Sistine Chapel and another vocal group invited. The celebration was broadcast live by Vatican Radio, with commentary in six languages, while the Vatican Television Center provided the image to the live broadcast in Latin American countries.