Pope calls troubled Latin America "Continent of Hope"

APARECIDA, Brazil, May 13 (Reuters) Pope Benedict called Latin America ''the Continent of Hope'' today in a mass at Brazil's holiest shrine as he tried to reinvigorate the Roman Catholic Church's waning influence in the region.

About 150,000 faithful gathered outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida, one of the world's largest cathedrals, to hear the Pope deliver mass on the final day of his first visit to the Americas.

''This is the faith that has made America the ''Continent of Hope,' the Pope said in his morning homily at the basilica. ''Not a political ideology, not a social movement, not an economic system.'' The turnout, however, was far less than the 500,000 people expected by Church officials -- an indication of the difficult times the Church is facing in Latin America.

Bishops from across Latin America and Caribbean will meet from Sunday for the next two weeks in Aparecida to address problems ranging from a lack of priests to the loss of Catholics to Protestant groups.

They will also map out priorities for missionary work and social action. Pope Benedict will offer them guidance in an opening address later today.

Speaking from a throne under a white canopy in front of the huge basilica, he urged priests and the people to be courageous missionaries.

In addresses throughout his visit to Brazil, the world's most populous Catholic country, the 80-year-old Pope has demanded people return to strict family values and shun promiscuity and the temptations of hedonism. He has also stressed the Church's unwavering opposition to abortion.

The message has had a mixed reception in a country known for its enthusiastic attitude toward sex and where poverty and violence afflict many families.

But in the crowd stretched out before the basilica, there was approval.

''This is a blessing. He spoke to young people and he reinforced family values. That is so important,'' said Nathalia Dos Reis, 45, a cleaner from nearby Guaratingueta.

REUTERS DS PM2015