MEXICO’S POSITION ON POPE BENEDICT XVI’S ANNOUNCEMENT

The Mexican government regrets but fully respects the announcement of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, regarding his resignation as the head of the Catholic Church as of February 28, 2013. He was elected to that position on April 19, 2005.

The Mexican government looks back with pleasure on the pastoral visit made by the Pope to Mexico from March 23-26, 2012. The Mass he celebrated in the Bicentennial Park in Silao, Guanajuato on that visit was attended by President Enrique Peña Nieto, then a presidential candidate.

The Pope is the head of state of Vatican City, represented by the Holy See, with which Mexico has a friendly diplomatic relationship that is characterized by a respectful political dialogue as well as areas of agreement in international forums, both based on promoting universal values.

The Mexican government reaffirms its commitment to a secular Mexican government, which it guarantees and protects, as well as its desire to continue strengthening its relationship with all of the States that make up the international community.