On the first day of the New Year, the bishops of Mexico and Cuba announced the itinerary
for the Pope’s visit to their respective countries this spring.
There’s not
much need to call attention to the Cuban visit, which coincides with the Jubilee of
Our Lady of Cobre, and comes during a time of unique historical and political changes
for the Caribbean island. It is fair, then, to focus on some of the reasons for the
visit to Mexico, and on the significance of that visit for the whole continent. It
is not by chance that Mexico will be the first stop on his journey.
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 evangelisation”. 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 centre of Mexico,
in the place where the National Sanctuary of Christ the King stands, the Pope will
spiritually embrace the whole country.
Who isn’t touched by the Mexicans’
affection for the Pope? 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? Twenty years ago, when diplomatic
relations with the Holy See were established, the country recognised 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.