Pope and Mexican Bishops discuss migration and socio-political challenges

By Patricia Ynestroza

The migration phenomenon, the Mexican socio-political situation and recent episodes of violence in the country were the main topics discussed by the Mexican Bishops and Pope Francis during their meeting in the Vatican on Friday, 2 June.

The occasion was provided by the ad limina visit of the second group of Bishops of the Mexican Episcopal Conference from the central regions of the country.

The Archbishop Primate of Mexico, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, was present at the audience and told Vatican News more about the conversation.

The country's challenges

"The challenges facing Mexico are the same as those of the world," the Cardinal noted, "for example, the change of era that has made it difficult to transmit the faith to the new generations,” the desire to offer them the tools to grow on a path of freedom and develop their potential and find their true vocation.

Another point discussed, Aguiar Retes continued, was the grave socio-political situation in the country that is worsening due to great social inequality and long-established problems. At times, the Cardinal said, there has not been "sufficient harmony for political and social forces to agree on the good of society".

Migration

The issue of migration was also discussed as it represents a serious problem for a country like Mexico, a transit country to the United States and Canada.

The Mexican Bishops are deeply involved in the work and ministry of the “Pilgrim Houses”, but the Cardinal explained that when faced with very large and very crowded migrant caravans it is difficult to help everyone and meet their needs.

"It is very difficult to manage to encourage them, to feed them, to give them shelter,"  Cardinal Aguiar Retes said, noting however that Pope Francis expressed recognition for the efforts of the Bishops.

"It is necessary to join forces," he added, in order "to offer the possibility of a safer passage to their destination".

The Mexican Bishops are collaborating with the Bishops of the United States and Canada to make these transit bridges safer for the people.

On 26 April the Pope received the first group of bishops from the northern regions of Mexico, namely the ecclesiastical provinces of Baja California, Bajío, Monterrey, Chihuahua, Durango, Hermosillo and San Luis Potosí.