Pope to urge Mexico toward greater unity

Archbishop Jose Guadalupe Martin Rabago of Leon has said that Pope Benedict XVI will urge Mexicans to move toward greater unity in order to achieve a lasting peace.

“His words will call us to strengthen the bonds of fraternity and justice between us, which will promote a climate of peace, not only during those days, but permanently,” Archbishop Martin Rabago said at a Jan. 31 press conference.

He also told reporters that he has not called for a “truce” from organized crime while the Pope is in Mexico.  A truce is a “temporary halt to hostilities between armies that have declared war,” he explained. 

He stressed that violence should not only cease during the Pope’s visit.  “We are asking for permanent peace, that we can create an atmosphere of fraternity and respect, which is what the people of Mexico long for the archbishop said.

Benedict XVI will be in Mexico March 23-26 and will visit the cities of Guanajuato and Leon.