Introduction to Pope Francis’ Connection with Mexico
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, had a special affection for the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. His connection with this place was so profound that it became his favorite spot in the country.
Pope Francis’ Visits and Devotion
During his papacy, Pope Francis visited the Basilica of Guadalupe twice. His first visit in 2013 was a deeply personal experience, where he spent almost half an hour in silent prayer before the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. This moment was so significant to him that he later fulfilled his “most intimate desire” by returning to the basilica in 2016 for another prayer session.
Archbishop Carlos Aguiar’s Tribute
The Archbishop of Mexico, Carlos Aguiar, led a memorial mass at the Basilica of Guadalupe in honor of Pope Francis. Aguiar mentioned that the basilica held a special place in the pope’s heart, making it his favorite location in Mexico. He urged the congregation to pray for the pope’s family, asking the Virgin of Guadalupe to bring comfort to their home.
Reactions from the Faithful
Approximately 3,000 people gathered at the Basilica of Guadalupe to pay their respects to Pope Francis. The crowd, composed of both locals and tourists, offered spontaneous applause and shouts of “Viva el Papa” (Long live the Pope) following the memorial mass.
Fernando Pérez’s Tribute
Among the attendees was Fernando Pérez, who expressed his admiration for Pope Francis’ legacy within the Church. Pérez prayed at an image placed beneath Juan Pablo II’s statue, hoping that the next pope would continue Francis’ work and maintain his spiritual impact.
Sister Esther Hernández’s Appreciation
Sister Esther Hernández, a 35-year-old nun, shared her admiration for Pope Francis’ understanding of their culture and language. She emphasized that having a pope from outside the Americas who could relate to their people was a blessing.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Pope Francis? Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, was the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He served from 2013 until his death on August 26, 2022.
- Why was the Basilica of Guadalupe significant to Pope Francis? The Basilica of Guadalupe held a special place in Pope Francis’ heart, making it his favorite location in Mexico. He spent significant time in prayer at the basilica during his visits.
- What was Pope Francis’ impact on the Catholic Church and Mexico? Pope Francis was known for his humility, compassion, and commitment to social justice. His visits to Mexico highlighted his concern for the violence affecting the country, and he was admired for his understanding of Mexican culture and language.
