Under the sign of hope (1)

Pope Benedict XVI has began his twenty-third apostolic trip abroad, which is taking him to Mexico and Cuba. He will remain in Mexico until 26 March from where he will then depart to Cuba.

This week I will post quite frequently giving information about the Pope's visit. Most of the posts will be made up of direct quotes from the speeches of the Pope. Given that many media will not probably give a lot of space to his speeches I hope that my posts will be helpful to access the importance of the message he will be delivering.

In these contributions I will be using material taken mainly from the Vatican Information Service, Zenit, Catholic World News and Catholic News Service. You can visit the home pages of the Catholic news agencies if you wish to be better informed.

A journey of hope

But first let me say something about the heading that I will be using for this series.

In his weekly editorial for "Octavia Dies", Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. notes, "this voyage ... will be a journey of hope. Hope for Mexicans, a people with immense resources and potential, but currently afflicted by serious problems which weigh on their present and future, first among them the problem of violence".

Fr Lombardi also spoke of "hope for Cubans, who feel they are on the threshold of what is potentially a new epoch, in which John Paul II's words on the reciprocal openness of Cuba and the world may be realised in a climate of development, freedom and reconciliation".

Finally, Fr. Lombardi mentions "the hope of all Latin America, where a Church committed to the 'continental mission' launched at the Aparecida Conference, wishes to continue making her inspirational contribution to the progress of the continent, so that human and Christian values may guarantee integral human development, despite the difficulties and dangers of our time".

Great welcome in Mexico

The Pope was given a rousing welcome on his arrival to Mexico.

His first speech was delivered at the airport.

"I come as a pilgrim of faith, of hope, and of love. I wish to confirm those who believe in Christ in their faith, by strengthening and encouraging them to revitalize their faith by listening to the Word of God, celebrating the sacraments and living coherently. In this way, they will be able to share their faith with others as missionaries to their brothers and sisters and to act as a leaven in society."

Changing the world

Benedict XVI also spoke to Mexico, suffering the violent war on drugs, about hope.

"Confidence in God offers the certainty of meeting him, of receiving his grace; the believer's hope is based on this. And, aware of this, we strive to transform the present structures and events which are less than satisfactory and seem immovable or insurmountable, while also helping those who do not see meaning or a future in life. ... Yes, hope changes the practical existence of each man and woman in a real way. ... This country and the entire continent are called to live their hope in God as a profound conviction, transforming it into an attitude of the heart and a practical commitment to walk together in the building of a better world."