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The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed on Monday the interest of Pope Leo XIV in visiting the country, although a date has not yet been set, as well as his willingness to strengthen joint programs aimed at pacification and the reduction of violence in different regions of Mexican territory.
During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum explained that the recent conversation with Leo XIV was held at the request of the Mexican government through the apostolic nuncio in the North American country, and that the Pope accepted the call immediately.
The president described the dialogue as "very kind," "warm," "cordial," and "sensitive," and stressed that the pontiff sent greetings to the people of Mexico.
"There is no date yet for him to come, but he does have a lot of interest in coming and in strengthening the programs we have with the Catholic Church, such as 'Yes to disarmament, yes to peace'," the president noted when referring to the initiatives that seek to reduce violence through social and community participation.
Sheinbaum detailed that during the conversation, she explained to the Pope the importance of these programs for the country and the need to join efforts with different social and religious actors.
The president clarified that the Pope did not raise specific issues beyond the agreement on the need for "us all to participate in pacification" and on the importance of strengthening collaboration between the State and the Church in social and humanitarian initiatives.
Likewise, Sheinbaum also highlighted that the call was made on a symbolic date for Mexicans, underlining the role of the Virgin of Guadalupe as a central element of national identity.
"It is a very important symbol for Mexico and for millions of people," she commented, adding that this factor gave special meaning to the dialogue with the pontiff on December 12.
The president recalled that this invitation is part of a relationship of respect and cooperation between the Mexican State and the Holy See, and reiterated that her government maintains a position of openness to dialogue with all churches, as well as with non-believers.
The last visit of a Pope to Mexico was that of Francis in 2016, when he traveled to several states of the country, including Chiapas, Chihuahua, Mexico City—where he visited the Basilica of Guadalupe—and Michoacán. EFE
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