Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Benedict XVI this morning reflected on the ‘unforgettable experience’ of his apostolic trip to Mexico and Cuba, which he returned from last week.

Speaking at the Vatican during his weekly general audience, the Holy Father called on both nations to strengthen their faith and trigger positive change.

“My recent apostolic journey to Mexico and Cuba sought to confirm the people of those countries, and all the peoples of Latin America, in their faith and in the hope which makes it possible to build a just and harmonious social order,” Pope Benedict said to those gathered at St Peter’s Square this morning.

“I reminded everyone that Cuba and the world need change,” he said, in reference to religious freedom before adding only Jesus ‘can dispel the darkness of error, helping us conquer evil and all that oppresses us.’

Referring to the first stage of his visit, in Mexico, Pope Benedict said that the Liturgies in the city of León were ‘marked by an outpouring of devotion and spiritual joy.’

“I encouraged the Mexican people to let their deep Christian roots inspire their efforts to overcome violence and to work for a better future,” he said.

Speaking about his time in Cuba, the Holy Father said he ‘wished to reaffirm the Church in Her public witness to the Gospel and to support the aspirations of all Cubans to a renewed, reconciled and free society.’

“From Santiago de Cuba, I went as a pilgrim to the shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre and then to Havana, where I prayed for a rebirth of faith, openness to God’s love and respect for the truth about our human dignity and freedom revealed in Christ,” the Pope said.

The Holy Father also used this morning’s general audience to launch an appeal for the UN-sponsored International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, which is observed on April 4 each year.

“Today marks the International Day to raise awareness about the problem of landmines—to the victims of which I express my closeness, as also I am close to their families,” Pope Benedict said. “I encourage everyone to be committed to freeing humanity from these terrible and devious weapons, which, as Blessed John Paul II said to mark the entry into force of the Convention for their elimination, keep people from, ‘Walk[ing] together on paths of life without fearing the dangers of destruction and death.’”

Pic: (Above) Pope Benedict XVI met with Cuba’s former President Fidel Castro at the apostolic nunciature in Havana last Wednesday. (Below) Holy Father at general audience.

Video link click here.

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