Pope Francis issued a tough-love message to Mexico’s political and church leaders Saturday, telling them they have a duty to provide their people with security, justice and pastoral care to confront the drug-related violence and corruption plaguing the country.

The raucous welcome that Francis received from cheering Mexicans, who lined his Mexico City motorcade route seven-deep, contrasted sharply with his pointed criticism.

With President Enrique Peña Nieto by his side at the National Palace, Francis invoked the country’s struggles against corruption and crime.

In a speech to bishops later, Francis challenged church leaders to denounce the “insidious threat” posed by the drug trade.

During Francis’ five-day tour, he will travel to the crime-ridden Mexico City suburb of Ecatepec, preach to Indians in poverty-stricken Chiapas, offer solidarity to victims of drug violence in Morelia and hold a cross-border Mass in Ciudad to honor migrants who died trying to reach the US.

With Post Wires