Pope Benedict arrives to board a papal flight in Rome - using a walking stick for the first time.<br/> <br />The frail looking pontiff is setting off for a six-day visit to Mexico and Cuba - his first visit to Mexico and only his second visit to Latin America.<br/> <br />Mexico has one of the largest populations of Catholics in the world, second only to Brazil.<br/> <br />In Mexico's Leon city, final preparations were getting underway for his arrival.<br/> <br />At the opening of a new media centre in Leon, the Pope's Mexican representative, Christophe Pierre said there was much more to Mexico than its much-publicized violence.<br/> <br />He said there was a strong desire to live in harmony and the Pope would be encouraging people not to lose their way in life.<br/> <br />Many residents have also brought gifts for the pope, including several pairs of red leather shoes.<br/> <br />The city is famous for its leather products.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(Spanish) PATRICIA HERNANDEZ, VOLUNTEER, SAYING:<br/> <br />"The whole world can bring gifts. We have gifts from officials, from businessmen, from children, from families, all the world can bring gifts."<br/> <br />Some 300,000 worshippers are expected to descend on the city's Bicentennial Park for the Pope's mass on Sunday.<br/> <br />Sunita Rappai, Reuters
