MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeanette DeMelo, Director of Communications, Archdiocese of Denver
303-715-3230 or jeanette.demelo@archden.org
March 21, 2012
Pope's upcoming visit to Mexico and Cuba to celebrate
witnesses of faith, martyrdom
This Friday, March 23, Pope Benedict XVI travels to Guanajuato, Mexico for a three-day visit. During this time, he will meet with President Calderon, greet and bless children in La Paz square, and celebrate Mass for an estimated half-million people at the foot of Cubilete Hill, atop which is the 60-foot statue of Cristo Rey (“Christ the King”). The Holy Father will depart Mexico on Monday, March 26 for the second half of his trip to the Republic of Cuba.
The Pope’s upcoming pastoral visits will witness to the vibrancy and vitality of the Church in Latin America and to the enduring impact of evangelization in developing authentic Christian culture.
Both Cuba and Mexico have long and rich histories of Catholic evangelization and identity. In both countries, the Church has been influenced by periods of serious persecution by anti-religious, atheocratic governments openly hostile to Catholics. Yet their witness of vibrant faith has continued.
With 52 percent of Catholics in northern Colorado hailing Latino heritage, the Pope’s visit to Mexico and Cuba can be a moment of celebration and encouragement.
For more information, please consider the resources provided below:
- Read Bishop Conley's reflection about pope’s trip
- Spanish Translation of Bishop Conley’s reflection
- View pope's travel itinerary
- Watch movie trailer, "For Greater Glory," depicting Catholic martyrs of Mexico's Cristero War [coming to theaters June 1, 2012]
To discuss possibilities for local media interviews, contact Jeanette DeMelo at jeanette.demelo@archden.org or call 303-715-3230.
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