Mexico: Papal perceptions

The people of Mexico, are supporting the Pope's visit in the midst of the country's Drug War. From Mexico, James Blears has been gauging opinion: Listen:

Before Pope Benedict arrived in Mexico, many of its newspapers gloomily pontificated that his appeal couldn't match that of his predecessor John Paul the second, who'd visited Mexico five times. But each and every one of those same newspapers had failed to understand the meaning of Pope John Paul's message:
"Mexico siempre fiel, which means...Mexico always faithful!" His Holiness certainly has grasped the concept and firmly. He told Mexico's faithful: "This is a proud nation of hospitality, and nobody feels like a stranger in your Land!"

Tens of thousands turned out to greet Pope Benedict, eager to receive his message about his steadfast prayer for an end to the Drug War, and how rivalries, resentment, greed and hatred which fuel the cartels MUST be discarded.

Four, five and six deep, in the searing heat, they lined the entire 20 mile route of his journey from the airport to the City of Leon.

Pope Benedict's message that the Church is on the side of freedom, applies to changing the system in Cuba, but also and absolutely to Mexico's Drug War. The people of Mexico who've lost so many of their compatriots, are hungering and thirsting for his Sunday sermon at an open air event. Everyone is invited!!!

They're grateful that....at almost 85 years old, he's come such a very long way to be with them. Yet, he and they appreciate, that there's still a long way to go.