“Today we rejoice at welcoming to our Cathedral of Mexico City the relic and spiritual presence of Blessed John Paul II, a model of the Good Shepherd and a powerful intercessor of our Church. For 32 years his presence has been in this place and the memory remains alive in our minds and hearts,” the cardinal said. The relic of John Paul II is on display at the Cathedral of Mexico City through Sept. 9.

He also recalled the late pontiff’s love for Our Lady of Guadalupe. During his last visit to Mexico for the canonization of Juan Diego, John Paul II was very excited despite his physical limitations and poor health, Cardinal Rivera said. “What could separate us from the love of Christ and his Church? His testimony told us: ‘Nothing, because it is when I am weak that I am strong,’” the cardinal added.

“The loving memories and warm sentiments we experienced during each of John Paul II’s visits run together. We thank our Holy Father Benedict XVI with all our hearts for the rapid beatification of our ‘Mexican Pope,’” Cardinal Rivera said.