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.”