Lombardi: Hope is at heart of Pope’s mission to Mexico

“Pope Benedict XVI’s intention is to continue the mission of John Paul II to Mexico and Cuba” , said Vatican Press Office Director, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., in the first briefing with press accompanying the Holy Father on his apostolic voyage to Mexico, Saturday morning.

“The Pope is very happy to be in Mexico”, he added stating that the Holy Father is in “fantastic” condition having rested in the days leading up to his departure. “He really enjoyed the welcoming ceremony at the airport where he had a brief and cordial conversation with President Calderon”.

Fr. Lombardi revealed that semi-official figures speak of a crowd of between 600-700 thousand present to welcome the Pope, a participation that has “strongly impressed” the Holy Father.

Referring to Pope Benedict’s first discourse to the nation, Fr. Lombardi described it as a brief speech but one dense with concepts. These, he said, merit to be reread and meditated upon. It presented many themes such as the memory of John Paul II, the reason for the choice of Mexico as a central country to this trip, the continental significance of this journey, the Pope's concern for the welfare of all people.

“The core of the message – concluded Fr. Lombardi - is hope. The Pope wishes, with his message of faith and hope, to encourage Mexicans to hope in the possibility of a commitment that can really change reality to build peace and human development”.

The Pope – concluded Fr. Lombardi – is well aware of the reality for Mexican emigrants, the need for justice, freedom and religious freedom.