Mexico grateful for Church help in weapons surrender program

Mexico City, Mexico, Jan 14, 2013 / 16:02 pm

Mexico's federal district thanked the Archdiocese of Mexico City for its help in a weapons surrender program which took place last week at the plaza outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Speaking to reporters at the beginning of January, Gov. Miguel Angel Mancera said the response to the program was an indication of the desire for peace among Mexicans.  

Those who turned in their weapons would be given tablets and other tools aimed at helping to foster greater education, he said.  

Cardinal Norberto Rivera of Mexico City, who was present at the event, spoke about the violence that has swept across the country in the wake of widespread drug trafficking.

He noted that the Church "cannot remain aloof from this social phenomenon."

"For this reason we want to join together today with the governor in this project of voluntary disarmament and we will continue to work with him."

"Thank you for allowing us to collaborate for this great city that is so need of peace," the cardinal added. "It is symbolic that we are gathered here outside the Shrine of Holy Mary of Guadalupe."

"In 1531 our peoples were experiencing full-fledged war between the dominated and those who would dominate, with all the violence that this entails," he said. "Holy Mary of Guadalupe was able to achieve unity between those of diverse cultures, religions and world views."