The Pope touched down in Mexico on Friday, beginning his visit to the world's second most-populous Catholic state.<br/> <br />He was greeted by full military honours at the Guanajuato airport.<br/> <br />President Felipe Calderon, the First Lady and a group of children welcomed the Pope.<br/> <br />Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Leon, as the Pope mobile made its way down a 35-kilometre stretch. Many young people were let out of school for the day, and throngs were waiting since early morning to see the Pope.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(Spanish) EDUARDO FONESECA, ONLOOKER, SAYING:<br/> <br />"First of all, it's a great emotion. I think I was almost crying. I really hope this helps us change in many ways."<br/> <br />Pope Benedict opened his three-day visit, promising to 'unmask the evil' of drug trafficking. Mexico has been ravaged by gang violence that has killed 50,000 people in the past five years.<br/> <br />He addressed the crowd in Spanish, saying he had come as a pilgrim of faith, of hope and of love.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) POPE BENEDICT XVI, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I will pray especially for those in need, particularly those who suffer because of old and new rivalries, resentments, and all forms of violence."<br/> <br />In this visit, the bloodshed in the country is in the mind of many Mexicans, foremost being President Calderon himself who has staked his reputation on fighting the drug cartels.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) MEXICAN PRESIDENT FELIPE CALDERON, SAYING:<br/> <br />"There are many challenges that we have had to face in recent times. The Pope is welcomed by a people that have suffered very much."<br/> <br />Pope Benedict's visit to Mexico and later to Cuba is aimed at rallying Catholics as more and more are becoming disillusioned and lured to other faiths.<br/> <br />Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
