Pope urges peace in Mexico's poor, violent corners

Pope Francis (C) wears a sombrero hat as he meets Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto (R) and first lady Angelica Rivera after his arrival in Mexico City, February 12, 2016. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano Handout via Reuters

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis launched a broadside against endemic corruption on Saturday on his first visit to Mexico as pontiff, calling on President Enrique Pena Nieto and his government to combat it.

Corruption is deeply ingrained in Mexico, and Pena Nieto, his wife and finance minister have all been embroiled in conflict of interest scandals involving homes purchased from government contractors.