Philip Kirkland gave up the delights of Radstock nearly 4 years ago and, - with his mexican wife - Margarita - went to live in Mexico City. He has agreed to share some of his experiences with us on these pages.

“Mexico (and the world) prays for the Pope”.
“The Mexican Pope”.
“Always faithful”.

These were some of the messages in Mexico this weekend.
While Catholics and other Christians around the world share the same sentiments, it is a testament to the importance of religion to the Mexican people. It is said that 89% of Mexicans are Catholic and around 60% go to church regularly. This is impressive when compared to the 9% of regular church-goers in Britain. This figure, the 60%, is diminishing year on year but the signs are still clear in Mexican life.

The ancient Mexican races, the Mayas and Aztecas, worshiped their own Gods but Christianity was brought here by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th Century. In the same century, a peasant, Juan Diego, witnessed the apparition of a virgin in Mexico City, who became known as The Virgin of Guadalupe and in turn, the patron of Mexico and all Latin America. This image appears in some form in many Mexican homes and work places and receives the same reverence as the image of Christ on the cross. Some years ago, Juan Diego was canonized by John Paul II.

The Pope visited Mexico on five occasions and recognized the faithfulness of the Mexican people. In return, Mexico erected a statue of the Pope at the Basilica of Guadalupe.
From the viewpoint of the pragmatic Englishman, the feelings of Mexicans on hearing the news of the Pope’s demise is difficult to understand, but I witnessed genuine anguish such as might be shown upon the death of a close relative. A need to go to church, initially to pray for his recovery, and then to mourn his passing, was the most common manifestation of grief. Many tributes were spoken and written, not only by religious leaders but by intellectuals and politicians alike. The latter broke with the perceived protocol in Mexico, which stems from the separation of state and church in the 19th Century by President Benito Juárez. This action can be justified by the fact that the Pope is also head of the Vatican State but cannot hide the fact that these same politicians are also Catholics.

And of the future, it is certain that Mexico will embrace the new Pope, despite “Juan Pablo Segundo” being a hard act to follow. As compensation, there is a slight possibility of the next Pope being Mexican. The Archbishop, and Cardinal of Mexico, Norberto Rivera, has been mentioned in some circles as a candidate, being young (62), dynamic and charismatic. It is unlikely, but such an appointment would be a reward for the faithful of Mexico and the pride felt by the people would be immeasurable.

Philip Kirkland