(ZENIT News / Mexico City, 09.16.2024).- Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in making a personal pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, according to Mexican actor and activist Eduardo Verástegui. In a recent post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Verástegui shared that Trump “wants to bring flowers to the Virgin of Guadalupe” during a potential visit to Mexico.
The actor’s announcement came shortly after Trump posted an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe on his own social media accounts on September 8, offering birthday wishes to her. This date holds special significance in the Catholic Church, marking the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, one of only three birthdays celebrated on the liturgical calendar.
«President Donald Trump posted the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe that I sent him, congratulating her on her birthday,» Verástegui explained in his post.
This unexpected gesture of reverence toward one of the most venerated figures in Catholicism coincides with a shift in Trump’s own religious identification. In 2020, the former president revealed that he no longer identified as a Presbyterian, a Protestant denomination that does not recognize a hierarchical clergy system. Instead, Trump described himself as a «non-denominational Christian,» a declaration he made during an interview with Religion News Service.
«Although I was confirmed in a Presbyterian church as a child, I now consider myself a non-denominational Christian,» Trump stated. He also highlighted his engagement with religious leaders from various faiths worldwide and noted his participation in virtual religious services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Happy Birthday Mary! pic.twitter.com/d1nwHWTk2b
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2024
During the same interview, Trump emphasized his commitment to religious freedom, a topic that he said would be a cornerstone of his administration if he were elected to a second term. «As I stated at the United Nations, the United States stands with believers of all nations who simply seek the freedom to live according to the faith that resides in their own hearts,» Trump affirmed.
While Verástegui’s post has ignited curiosity about a potential visit, no official confirmation has been provided by Trump’s team. The *Epoch Times* reached out to Trump’s representatives for further details on his possible pilgrimage to the Basilica, but no response was received by the time of publication.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located in Mexico City, is not just a religious symbol but a cultural touchstone for millions. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared in December 1531 to Juan Diego, an indigenous man who was later canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The apparition is said to have occurred on Tepeyac Hill, where the Basilica now stands.
Every December 12, pilgrims from across Mexico, Latin America, and even other continents journey to the site to celebrate the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. They come to offer thanks for blessings received or to pray for personal intentions, such as the healing of sick relatives. The devotion to the «Virgen Morena» is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, blending indigenous and Spanish religious traditions since her first reported appearance.
Should Trump follow through with his plans, his visit would carry not just religious symbolism but also potential political and cultural significance, given his controversial tenure and the strained relationship between the U.S. and Mexico during his presidency. A personal tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe could resonate with millions of Catholic believers in Mexico and beyond, showcasing a different side of the former president.
For now, the possibility of Trump making his way to the Basilica remains speculative, but Verástegui’s remarks have certainly sparked intrigue about what such a visit could entail.
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