Vatican City, Jan 9, 2009 / 09:33 am
Mexicans are gearing up to host a meeting of families from around the world. With just five days until the first events begin, Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, provided an overview of the Sixth World Meeting of Families at the Vatican today.
The World Meeting of Families will take place January 14-18 in Mexico City and is meant to provide support to families, which are under attack throughout the world, Cardinal Antonelli explained.
Initially, organizers thought that Pope Benedict might attend the meeting, but as the event drew closer, Cardinal Antonelli announced that the Pope would not be coming on the advice of his doctors.
"The Holy Father will be 'especially present' at these events" with two video messages, he said at today’s press conference. The Pope’s first appearance will be a recorded message on the evening of Saturday, January 17, and a live message, via satellite, on Sunday, January 18 at the conclusion of the final Mass.