Vatican: Mexico has wounds but also a lot of faith and hope

During his visit to Mexico, Mons. Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary of the Vatican for relations with states, acknowledged that the country faces “wounds caused by organized crime, corruption and economic inequality”, but also defined it as a land of hope.

The Archbishop participated in the celebration of the “Pope’s Party”, held on July 25 at the Apostolic Nunciature in Mexico City, on the occasion of the election of Pope Leo XIV.

In his message, the prelate born in Liverpool (England) expressed a deep recognition of the Mexican people for their resilience and spiritual tradition.

“Mexico is a nation where flowers of the martyrs have often sprouted and where hope has triumphed over difficulties,” said Mons. Gallagher. In that sense, he valued the testimony of the Catholic Church, which, “he said,” has not been perfect, but has persevered, with the people and for the people. “

He also recalled the legacy of the first evangelizers, who promoted the creation of schools and hospitals, as well as the defense of the original peoples, “despite the failures and deficiencies so evident in much of colonial history.”

Gallagher stressed that the Catholic Church in the country has been present throughout the great moments of national history, such as independence, revolutionary movements, social reforms and religious persecution of the last century.

Today, he added, Mexico plays an important role in promoting dialogue and peace in the region, especially in the face of the challenges of migration and violence.

“It is a privilege to be here in Mexico, a nation where faith has rooted in the hearts of millions of people, where the Church has accompanied the people both in the tests and in the triumphs, and where the story testifies to a relationship marked both by complexity and by a deep mutual affection,” added Mons. Gallagher.

Called to collaboration for the most vulnerable

On behalf of Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican Secretary expressed the support of the Holy See to these efforts and reaffirmed “the will to walk together, especially in defense of the poor, migrants, indigenous people, victims of violence and all those who are in the peripheries of society.”

In his speech, he insisted on the need for an authentic “multilateralism”, supported by the Holy Father, “not as an abstract bureaucracy, but as a means to ensure that no nation, no people or any clamor of the poor is ignored.”

The prelate recalled that the true political and diplomatic vocation must be at the service of the common good: “politics and diplomacy are, in their best expression, expressions of love for those of us who serve,” he said.

Mons. Gallagher concluded his message invoking the protection of the Virgin of Guadalupe and remembering his words to San Juan Diego: “I’m not here, I’m your mother? Are you not under my protection?” With this, he reaffirmed that the Marian intercession continues to accompany the Mexican people and that the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV seeks to be a time of renewal, commitment and peace.

The invitation for Pope Leo XIV visiting Mexico

In her usual press conference, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, referred to the Friday July 25 to the figure of Pope Leo XIV and the possibility of a visit from the Holy Father to the country.

“He is a man who gives messages of peace, and in that we fully agree, so have been his messages since he was appointed Pope. And, in addition, as a personality and also for Mexicans and Mexicans who have as a religion, the Catholic, which is a large majority,” said the president.

“And as a representative, beyond the Catholic Church, of the Vatican State, its vision and its message of peace is very important for everyone,” Sheinbaum added.

On the possibility of a trip from Pope Leo XIV to Mexico, the president said that “there is still no particular date, but simply the invitation was ratified.”

“And Rosa Icela, secretary of the Interior, said for a while, about the relationship in Mexico with the different churches and, in general, on different issues of our country,” added the president.