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Pope Brings Message of Hope to Crime-Ridden Mexico City

CBN

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Pope Francis is expected to bring a message of hope during Sunday's Mass in Ecatepec, Mexico.

In what is considered the height of the Pope's five day visit, more than 300,000 people will attend the service in hopes of finding comfort in a place where violence, poverty and drugs are rampant.

"He's coming to Ecatepec because we need him here," Ignacia Godinez told the Associated Press. "Kidnappings, robberies and drugs have all increased, and he brings comfort. His message will reach those who need it so that people know we, the good people, outnumber the bad."

Pope Francis' message comes a day after he urged Mexico's political leadership and clergy combat the nation's violence and corruption.

President Enrique Pena Nieto welcomed the pope on his first day at the presidential palace.

The pope urged authorities to be take responsibility for the common good by being upright and refusing corruption.

He said political leaders had a "particular duty" to ensure their people had "indispensable" material and spiritual goods: "adequate housing, dignified employment, food, true justice, effective security, a healthy and peaceful environment."

He said it wasn't enough just to pass laws, calling on all Mexicans to take responsibility to help the country.

He also addressed church leaders. Francis told bishops they must be true pastors to their people and that the horrors of drug violence required "prophetic courage" from the church and a plan that involves families, parishes, schools and communities.

He said only with a church-inspired plan "will people finally escape the raging waters that drown so many, either victims of the drug trade or those who stand before God with their hands drenched in blood, though with pockets filled with sordid money and their consciences deadened."

Francis' entire trip shines an uncomfortable spotlight on the government's failure to solve social problems across many parts of Mexico — poverty, gangland killings, extortion, disappearances of women, crooked cops and failed city services. 

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