THE POPE QUIT BUT THE OTHER VIRGIN STILL AT WORK (Second of 2 Today)

On the way back from Teotihucan (ancient religious relic) you can visit the Shrine to the Virgin of Guadeloupe (current religious relic). In 1531 she appeared to a peasant on this spot. The local bishop refused to believe him until at the third sighting the image of the virgin was imprinted on his apron. Diego's apron is still on display in the basilica, and the site is now one of the most important Catholic pilgrimages in the world ---- about 7 million per year

Coincidentally, yesterday the current Pope shockingly resigned ---- the first to leave the job alive since just before the 1500's! There was no sense of sadness for him today at the Shrine and the Pope's yellow-and-white flag was not dipped low. In fact, there is obviously much more affection for ex-Pope John Paul II who visited Mexico 7 times, including this Shrine in 1990.

You can see that the old Shrine is leaning, a result of Mexico City using up the underground water supply. The new one (round, greenish) is built to withstand the continuing sinking. And there are dozens of lesser chapels, convents, bell towers, offices, and merchandise markets. Big business!

In the immense outdoor plaza, costumed groups re-enact the battle between Romans and Christians. And the centrepiece called 'Time" honours all the Mexican peoples ---- Aztec calendar,  peasant water spindle, Spanish colonial sundial, and modern era clock. Time has run out for Pope Benedict but the other Virgin still draws the crowds.