Below is a ZENIT translation of Pope Francis’ video-message in preparation for his visit to Mexico, Feb. 12-18, which was broadcasted yesterday in Mexico:
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Dear Brothers:
Now that it is not long before my trip to Mexico, I am happy, I feel a great joy. I have always had a special remembrance of Mexicans in my prayer. I carry you in my heart. Now I will be able to visit you and to step on that blessed land, so loved by God, and so loved by the Virgin Mary.
You might possibly ask yourselves: And what does the Pope hope for with this trip? The answer is immediate and simple: I want to go as a missionary of mercy and of peace; to meet with you to confess our faith in God together and to share a fundamental truth in our lives: that God loves us very much, that He loves us with an infinite love, beyond our merits. I want to be as close to you as possible, but in a special way to all those that suffer, to embrace them and tell them that Jesus loves them very much, that He is always by their side.
I am happy to know that you are preparing for the trip with much prayer. Prayer enlarges our heart and prepares it to receive God’s gifts. Prayer illumines our eyes to be able to see others the way God sees them, to love as God loves. I also thank you very much for praying for me, as I need it.
Do you want me to confide in you another of my greatest desires? To be able to visit the Virgin Mary’s house. As one more son, I will approach our Mother and place at her feet all that I bear in my heart. It is lovely to be able to visit the maternal house, and to feel the tenderness of her kind presence. There, I will look at her in her eyes and implore that she not fail to look at us with mercy, as she is our Heavenly Mother. Henceforth I entrust to her my trip and all of you, my dear Mexican brothers.
May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin take care of you.
[Original text: Spanish]
[Translation by ZENIT]
