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 Pope
Benedict XVI Arrives in Mexico
HAVANA, Cuba, Mar 23 (acn) Pope
Benedict XVI arrived in Mexico on Friday for an apostolic
visit, the first one to a Spanish speaking country in Latin
America, which will also include Cuba.
A 777 Boeing of
the Italian Alitalia Company took the Supreme Pontiff to the
International Airport of Bajio, on the outskirts of the city
of Silao, in the central state of Guanajuato, the
multinational Telesur television network reported.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon accompanied by his wife,
Margarita Zavala, and by a group of children, received His
Holiness by the steps of the aircraft.
"With this short visit, I would like shake the hands of all
Mexicans and to embrace the Latin American nations and
peoples," said His Holiness, who will turn 85 in April.
He ratified his arrival as a pilgrim of hope and charity,
his wish to confirm those who believe in Christ in their
faith, to consolidate them in it and encourage them to
revitalize it by listening to the word of God, the
sacraments and the logic of life.
"We’re overjoyed by your visit, in moments of great
tribulation," stated Calderon in his welcoming words, and
asserted that his presence will serve to reaffirm the hope
of Mexicans, who live “tragic hours” due to the
proliferation of violence, organized crime, drought and the
economic crisis.
Benedict XVI will stay until Monday in that country, where
he will carry out religious activities in the cities of
Silao, Leon and Guanajuato, before traveling to Santiago de
Cuba on March 26.
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