Mexicans back Fox's kissing of papal ring

MEXICO CITY — Almost two-thirds of Mexicans give a thumbs up to President Vicente Fox's kissing of Pope John Paul II's ring, an unprecedented display of reverence to the Roman Catholic leader in a nation with a long tradition of separation of church and state.

A poll published yesterday in the Reforma newspaper said that 60 percent of those questioned approved of Mr. Fox's kiss at an official ceremony Tuesday night on the pope's arrival. Another poll found 63 percent support.