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Pope Francis denounced how Mexico's Indians have been exploited and excluded from society for centuries and says the world instead should learn from their culture and deep appreciation for Mother Nature.
Francis celebrated Mexico's Indians with a deeply symbolic visit Monday to the state of Chiapas, a center of indigenous culture. He celebrated Mass in the three main native languages of the region thanks to a new Vatican decree authorizing their use.
In his homily, history's first Latin American pope melded two of his core concerns: appreciation for America's indigenous cultures and the need to care for the environment.
He said: "We can no longer remain silent before one of the greatest environmental crises in world history." And he added, "In this regard, you have much to teach us."
Pope Francis celebrated Mass in a sports complex in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.
About 100,000 gathered on the dirt field for the Mass. Sixty Mexican bishops also participated in the ceremony, as well as 120 priests and 16 indigenous seminarians.
The Pope added that everyone should learn how to say sorry to these peoples.
"Some have considered your values, culture and traditions to be inferior," he said. "Others, intoxicated by power, money and market trends, have stolen your lands or contaminated them," Pope Francis said.
The soft ethereal sounds of marimbas accompanied the opening the Mass in front of a replica of the brilliant yellow and red facade of the cathedral. Francis is scheduled to visit the real cathedral later in the day.
Bernardo Rangel on the staff of the pope's visit said Francis received two gifts: one, the first Bible translated from Spanish to an indigenous Mexican language, Tzotzil; and another Bible, the first translated to Tzeltal, another indigenous language.
