Pope's Presence Missed at Family Meeting

Felipe Calderón conveyed this sentiment Saturday to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state and legate to the international event. The two met Saturday at the president's official residence, known as Los Pinos.

Calderón assured Cardinal Bertone that the Pontiff would be received with open arms if he were to visit the nation, and that he "was very much missed" during the meeting of the families.

A press release issued by the office of the president reported that Calderón "confirmed the importance Mexico gives to its relations with the Holy See," and that Cardinal Bertone "transmitted a personal greeting from Benedict XVI to all Mexico," and his esteem for the country.

The communiqué added that the two spoke of topics of particular importance both to Mexico and the Holy See, such as "reform of the United Nations, the fight against poverty, respect for human rights and protection for migrants and their families."