President Fox Meets with Pope to Discuss Issues in Mexico

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 1, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Vicente Fox, Mexico's president, had a private meeting with John Paul II on Wednesday, touching upon the situation of the indigenous peoples, poverty, and migration.

The meeting, lasting about 20 minutes, took place in the Apostolic Nunciature, located in the southern part of Mexico City.

A statement of the Mexican Presidency revealed that the two «spoke about some aspects of the national and international scene, among which was the situation of indigenous peoples and migrants, poverty, marginalization, and the development of micro-regions.»

In Mexico, 40% of the 102 million inhabitants suffer from poverty and marginalization. It is estimated that, out of the total population, just over 10 million are indigenous peoples.

«President Fox recognized the work and dedication of his Holiness John Paul II in building a new world of peace and harmony,» the statement added.

ZENIT - The World Seen from Rome
1. august 2002