End of preview - This article contains approximately 1326 words.
Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article
Not a Subscriber?
Choose from one of the following options
Back
Mexico & Nafta - March 2016 (ISSN 1741-444X)
Pope addresses uncomfortable truths
Pope Francis carried out his much-anticipated visit to Mexico between 12 to 17 February, greeted by millions who turned out to hear him speak. His eye-catching itinerary put paid to any suggestion that he might simply stick to religious matters, issuing a few perfunctory platitudes on matters of moment while accompanying officials on comfortable visits to well-known landmarks. His trip took him instead to Ecatepec de Morelos, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Morelia, and Ciudad Juárez, cities which put him in contact with Mexico’s large population of impoverished citizens, marginalised indigenous communities, and those most exposed to drug-related violence. Through his actions and words, the pope evinced his zeal for social justice. It is doubtful whether his visit will provoke any great political change on this front, but it will have strengthened Catholicism against the encroachment of evangelical groups in Mexico.
