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Ecstatic Mexican crowds greet Pope

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Ecstatic Mexican crowds greet Pope
Aabidah
07/31/02 at 13:29:45
[slm]

Just came upon this a while ago....what do u guys think??

[wlm]
Betul

Hundreds of thousands of people have lined the streets of Mexico City, where Pope John Paul II is leading a ceremony to canonise the country's first indigenous saint, Juan Diego.
Pilgrims sang, cheered and sobbed as the Pope made his way to the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, where the mass is taking place.

The pontiff made the sign of the cross and waved to the crowds as he passed in his popemobile.

The Church has lost millions of followers in recent years to Protestant evangelical groups in the largely indigenous south of Mexico, and Catholics hope Juan Diego's sainthood will halt that decline.

"Brother John Paul, now you are Mexican," the thronging crowds chanted as the pontiff passed through the streets decorated with papal flags and yellow and white balloons.

Although the majority of the crowd were only able to catch a quick glimpse of the Pope, for the faithful it was still an exciting experience.

"I got chills up to my head," said Irene Guzman.

Mexicans have a special affection for John Paul II, who went to the country on the first foreign trip of his papacy.

But the visit has reopened the debate in Mexico over the existence of Juan Diego and the Virgin of Guadalupe herself - Mexico's patron saint.

In 1531 Juan Diego, an Indian peasant, is said to have witnessed a glowing apparition of the Virgin.

Non-believers say the apparition was invented by the conquering Spaniards to convert the indigenous population to Catholicism.

Only 22,000 people fit into the basilica, but those lucky enough to get a ticket have packed the church building and forecourt.

Euphoric atmosphere

The BBC's correspondent in Mexico City, Nick Miles, said there is a small but highly visible minority of pilgrims from some of Mexico's 50 indigenous groups.

Pilgrims performed dances and songs during the build-up to the Pope's arrival, which our correspondent said created an atmosphere akin to a pop concert.

The waiting crowds have even been taking part in Mexican waves.

Millions were expected to take the day off work to watch the service on television.

Mexico is the final leg of an 11-day papal tour of the Americas.

The travels seem to be taking their toll on the frail 82-year-old Pope, who is suffering from Parkinson's disease and arthritis.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2164653.stm


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