Leon, Mexico, Mar 26, 2012 / 13:56 pm
Pope Benedict said farewell to Mexico with the promise that this "is not the end of my affection and my closeness to a country so very dear to me."
The Pope bid farewell to the thousands of Mexicans gathered at Guanajuato International Airport by using the traditional Spanish expression "Adios."
"Dear Mexican friends, I say to you "Adios!" in the traditional sense of this fine Hispanic expression: remain with God! Yes, "Adios!"; for ever in the love of Christ, in which we meet each other and will again meet with one another. May the Lord bless you and may Mary Most Holy protect you!"
"My brief but intense visit to Mexico is now coming to an end. Yet this is not the end of my affection and my closeness to a country so very dear to me. I leave full of unforgettable experiences, not the least of which are the innumerable courtesies and signs of affection which I have received," the Pope said.
After thanking President Felipe Calderón for his words and "for all that the authorities have done for this memorable Journey, he also offered his gratitude to "the many people who have helped, even in the smallest details, to make the events of these days go smoothly."