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.