Pope Francis wants to 'avoid the mexicanization' of drug trafficking in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Pope Francis expressed concern with the growth of drug cartels, particularly with the potential for "mexicanization" of drug trafficking in Argentina.

In a detailed letter to Argentine legislator Gustavo Vera, the pontiff -- a native of Argentina himself -- expressed his disgust with current events affecting Mexico.

The letter was in response to an initial message Vera had sent pope Francis stating concerns about the "non-stop" growth of drug trafficking in Argentina.

"I was talking with a few Mexican bishops and things are just terrifying [in Mexico]," reads the letter from the pope, posted online by nonprofit organization La Alameda, which Vera oversees. "I see your endless efforts at no cost. I fervently ask God to protect you and the Alameda members. Hopefully, we still have time to avoid the mexicanization."

The initial letter written by Vera also mentioned human trafficking, an issue La Alameda focuses on in Argentina.

The pope's "mexicanization" comment comes just one week after his unusual pick for a new cardinal in Mexico, suggesting he is concocting a new strategy to revive the Catholic Church in Mexico and throughout Latin America.

Archbishop Alberto Suárez Inda of Morelia, Michoacan was elevated to cardinal by the pope last month, despite his retirement plans. The country's cardinals usually are chosen from the three largest cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Nonetheless, many speculate this is an indication of the pontiff's goals in addressing the drug-related violence in Mexico.

"I must be dreaming," Suárez Inda told Fox News Latino in an exclusive interview.

"It's a sad phenomenon that is not exclusive to Michoacán," Suárez said of the violence. "But here it's getting worse due to some strong groups."

When asked if he would enter the United States via the Mexican border en route to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia in September, pope Francis confirmed it was not happening, but that it would be "a beautiful thing" if he could make such powerful entrance.

"To enter the United States from the border with Mexico would be a beautiful thing, as a sign of brotherhood and of help to the immigrants," he said in a news conference in January.

Pope Francis also said this year he will be traveling to Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay and in 2016 will be in his native Argentina as well as Chile, Uruguay and possibly Peru.