The street leading up to St. Peter's Basilica has been filled with images of Mexico, mariachi music and traditional dress for the inauguration of the exhibition, “Mexican Christmas at the Vatican.”
ALBERTO BARRANCO CHAVARRÍA
Ambassador of Mexico to the Holy See
Why have it here on the Via della Conciliazione? Because it is the road where faith travels, where it reaches the Vatican. And where people who come from Mexico to the Vatican, rather than going to the Trevi Fountain or other places, prefer to arrive at the Basilica and then continue on their way.
This 15th edition of the exhibition aims to capture the beauty of a region of Mexico that attracts countless tourists each year. Quintana Roo is home to places like Cancún and boasts the heritage of the Mayan culture. This year, the exhibition features Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Marian devotion the Pope recently praised during a Mass at the Vatican.
MARA LEZAMA
Governor, Quintana Roo
Pope Francis expressed his affection for our Virgin of Guadalupe, our brown Virgin. I want to reiterate it as a fundamental part of the faith of the Mexican people. And I am very excited to hear the cheers, the joy of the people of Guadalupe who gathered here today, and we also spoke to the Pope about this Mexican Christmas at the Vatican, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
At the General Audience the day after the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, there was a strong Mexican presence with the country's flag and representatives for the exhibition present.
MARA LEZAMA
Governor, Quintana Roo
The Pope was very enthusiastic with his words of encouragement, love and peace, which undoubtedly touched people's souls.
To inaugurate the exhibition, the group cut a traditional Mexican style embroidered ribbon together with an Italian flag.
PA
TR: KG
