"In the heart of man and in the memory of many of our peoples is imprinted this yearning for a land, for a time when human corruption will be overcome by fraternity, when injustice will be conquered by solidarity and when violence will be silenced by peace."
This longing, he said, is shared by the Father, who "himself inspired it and continues to do so in giving us his son Jesus Christ," in whom "we discover the solidarity of the Father who walks by our side."
"In him, we see how the perfect law takes flesh, takes a human face, shares our history so as to walk with and sustain his people."
"He becomes the Way, he becomes the Truth, he becomes the Life, so that darkness may not have the last word and the dawn may not cease to rise on the lives of his sons and daughters."
Meanwhile, efforts are made dissuade people, especially the youth, against the yearning for fraternity, justice. As a result, "creation itself also raises an objection," the Pope said.
He added, quoting his encyclical on the environment, Laudato, Si: "The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life."
"We can no longer remain silent before one of the greatest environmental crises in world history," he said.
While the people throughout Latin America "know how to interact harmoniously with nature," they have often, "in a systematic and organized way... been misunderstood and excluded from society," the Pope said, addressing the region's bishops.
"Some have considered your values, culture and traditions to be inferior. Others, intoxicated by power, money and market trends, have stolen your lands or contaminated them."
"How sad this is! How worthwhile it would be for each of us to examine our conscience and learn to say, 'Forgive me!'"
He stressed the responsibility toward the world which has become ravaged "by a throwaway culture."
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"Today's world, overcome by convenience, needs to learn anew the value of gratitude!
Pope Francis' Feb. 12-17 trip to Mexico is his first as pontiff. He is the third Pope to visit the nation: St. John Paul II visited Mexico five times over the course of his 27 year pontificate, and Benedict XVI in 2012.