_WORLD WATCH______________________________
____________________ Mexico ________________

Pope meets president…
. . . accompanied by new wife
Pope John Paul II met on October 18 with Mexican President Vicente Fox Quesada. The meeting—described by both sides as cordial—was the Pope’s first formal meeting with Fox since the Mexican leader was inaugurated.

The Pontiff reportedly raised the question of the treatment of Indian tribes, particularly in southern Mexico. They also spoke of international affairs in general, including the US bombing of Afghanistan.

President Fox was accompanied by several members of his governing party and by his new wife, the former Marta Sahagun Jimenez. The Mexican president was sharply criticized by Church leaders in Mexico for marrying the woman who had been his press aide, since both have been previously married. Fox has obtained a civil divorce, but his first marriage has not been annulled.

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