Pope Francis visit to celebrate Mexico's indigenous church
Pope Francis visit to celebrate Mexico's indigenous church
08.02.2016 09:10 International
Pope Francis' visit to the heavily indigenous Mexican state of Chiapas appears aimed at celebrating the region's "Indian church," a mix of Catholicism and indigenous culture once considered a thorn in the side of standard liturgy by the Vatican.
The inclusion of pine boughs and eggs, the Mayan faithful's references to "God the Father and Mother" and the use of indigenous elements in Masses long caused church officials to bristle.
Not so with history's first Latin American pope, who the Vatican said will present a decree during his February 15 visit authorising the use of indigenous languages. The Chiapas Mass itself would include readings and songs in three different indigenous languages.
"Within the church there have always been errors," said Felipe Arizmendi, the Bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas, the colonial city where Francis will preside over Mass. "So we recognise that many times, we have not given them (the indigenous) their place."
More:
http://www.sigmalive.com/en/news/international/141212/pope-francis-visit-to-celebrate-mexicos-indigenous-church#.dpuf
