Pope condemns drug trafficking in Mexico during Mass sermon

Pope Benedict yesterday condemned drug trafficking and corruption in Mexico where a murderous war between cartels has led to tens of thousands of deaths.

On his last day in the country, the Pope said Mass for an estimated crowd of 300,000 at a sprawling park on the outskirts of Leon.

His sermon was sprinkled with words such as conversion and reconciliation. He prayed Mexicans would be given the strength “to boldly promote peace, harmony, justice and solidarity”.