MAY MEXICO BE AN EXAMPLE FOR THE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, JAN 26, 1999 (VIS) - Following the celebration of Mass this morning at the apostolic nunciature in Mexico City, the Pope went to the airport where there was a farewell ceremony.

The Holy Father thanked all those who had cooperated in the realization of this pastoral visit. "My thanks become a prayer by invoking Heaven for the greatest blessings for this people which on so many occasions has shown faithfulness to God, to the Church and to Peter's Successor. For this reason, I lift my voice on high: May God bless you Mexico for the examples of humanity and faith of your peoples, and for your efforts in defending the family and life!"

"May God bless you Mexico, in your efforts to banish forever the struggles which divided your children, through fruitful and constructive dialogue. ... Only fraternal dialogue among all parties will give strength to plans for future reform, supported by citizens of good will, belonging to all creeds and various political and cultural sections (of society)."

John Paul II restated his "full confidence in the future of this people. A future in which Mexico, ever more evangelized and Christian, may be a country where democracy, ever more rooted and firm, more transparent and efficient, together with the happy and peaceful coexistence of her peoples, be always a reality under the tender gaze of her Queen and Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe."

At the end of his speech, the Pontiff boarded the plane for a three and a half hour flight to St. Louis, U.S.A.

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