Pope calls on Mexicans to conquer "idolatry of money"

Pope Benedict XVI began a pilgrimage to the New World on Friday calling on Mexicans to conquer an "idolatry of money" that feeds drug violence and urged Cuba to leave behind a Marxism that "no longer responds to reality."

Benedict referred to the everyday violence that many Mexicans confront."We know very well about the beauty of Mexico but also this huge problem of drug trafficking and violence," the Pontiff said.

"Certainly there is a great responsibility of the Catholic Church in a country which is made up of 80 percent Catholics. We must do everything we can against this evil that is destructive against humanity and our youth."

The pontiff made the comments to reporters during his long flight to Mexico, the first stop in his six-day tour.

His statement ahead of his visit to Cuba on Monday was unexpectedly blunt, although in keeping with the Vatican's position.Benedict said it is "evident that

Marxist ideology as it was conceived no longer responds to reality," and exhorted Cubans to "find new models, with patience, and in a constructive way."

Asked about reports of harassment and detention of dissidents on the island, Benedict said the church wants "to help in the spirit of dialogue to avoid trauma and to help bring about a just and fraternal society."

Benedict's comments were as bold as any his predecessor, John Paul II, made during his historic 1998 tour of Cuba. But they stopped short of directly challenging the country's single-party political model, which has been in place for five decades.Benedict arrives on Monday in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba.

Reuters