Pope Benedict in Mexico and Cuba - News Roundup

General

• Our Ladys Role in Popes Mexico, Cuba Trip: Benedict XVI Will Visit Mary in Both Countries, by Paloma Rives. (Zenit 3/19/12).

Mexico

• The Pope and Mexico’s Spiritual Crisis, by Matthew Cullinan Hoffmann. (The Catholic World Report 3/19/12). Pope Benedict XVI prepares for trip to a Mexico torn by violence on the street—and in the womb.
• Mexico's political landscape more open to church but still has bumps, by David Agren. (Catholic News Service 3/22/12). "When Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Mexico March 23, he'll find a country casting aside the old anti-clerical provisions, where the Vatican is now recognized and politicians and political parties openly court church favor."
• Quake shakes central, southern Mexico, not region where pope will visit (Catholic News Service 3/21/12).
• Cardinal Bertone: Pope Bringing Encouragement to Mexico Cardinal Bertone was interviewed by Mexican television Televisa and by El Sol de México newspaper. The text of his talk was published by Vatican Radio. (Zenit 3/21/12). The origin of this special place began with a Mass in 1919. Fifty-three years later, on March 25, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI will reaffirm the faith that succeeded in building this monument which is over 20 meters (65 feet) high. The history of the Christ of “El Cubilete” is, without a doubt, a history of obstacles as well as perseverance.
• Christ the King Has a Special Place in Guanajuato, by Paloma Rives, Special Correspondent. (Zenit 3/20/12).
• Maciel’s shadow hangs over the Pope's trip to Mexico, by Andres Beltramo Alvarez. (La Stampa "The Vatican Insider" 3/20/12). "The lack of any meeting with the victims of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ could compromise Benedict XVI’s mission."
• The Pope's mission to Mexico will be super-partes, by Andres Beltramo Alvarez. (La Stampa "The Vatican Insider" 3/19/12). An interview with cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, the only Mexican cardinal who will be a member of the entourage accompanying Joseph Ratzinger to his country.

Cuba

• Few priests, few seminarians, but enthusiasm for Cuban church's future, by Patricia Zapor. (Catholic News Service 3/22/12).
• The cry of the poor: Pope likely to repeat criticism of Cuba embargo, by Cindy Wooden. (Catholic News Service 3/21/12):

  The Catholic Church's position on the U.S. economic embargo of Cuba is "no mystery," the Vatican spokesman said, and there's a good chance Pope Benedict XVI will publicly criticize the embargo when he visits Cuba.

  At the same time, Pope Benedict also will call for greater freedoms -- particularly religious freedom -- and respect for other human rights during his stay in Cuba March 26-28.

• "Pope's visit will help democracy in Cuba", by Andrea Tornielli. (La Stampa "The Vatican Insider" 3/21/12). Interview with the Vatican Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone.
• Cuba: Dissidents arrested (La Stampa "The Vatican Insider" 3/19/12):

  The “Ladies in White”movement, which has been awarded the Sakharov prize for peace, is asking for the release of political prisoners, who include partners and spouses. Usually the activists, mainly women, attend Sunday mass together and then demonstrate to ask for the release of the prisoners. The dissidents have multiplied their initiatives in Havana in view of the Pope’s imminent visit, scheduled between 26 and 28 March.