Sheinbaum to Invite Pope Leo XIV to Mexico / MSMEs Credit Push

Support for Mexico’s Film Industry. Minister of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza explained that the Tax Incentive for Investment Projects in National Film Production and Distribution (EFICINE) is a government stimulus for private sector participation, utilizing funds distinct from tax revenue. This stimulus saw a 16.43% increase in 2025, allocating MX$100 million (US$5.1 million) for production and MX$15 million for distribution. Regarding Estudios Churubusco, which are slated for renovation, she stated that the objective is to restore the role they had during Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema, while meeting the requirements of today’s industry.   

Cristián Calónico, Director, Estudios Churubusco, highlighted that despite their importance, the studios have not received significant investments in the last three decades. He noted that while the Luis Buñuel building was constructed around 2010 and 2011 for approximately MX$200 million, there has not been an investment in renovating forums or equipment. 

Calónico also announced that a central part of the rehabilitation plan is to preserve and protect the film laboratory, stating the objective is for these laboratories, important for Mexico and Latin America, to become a center for restoring historical cinematic works from the region. The renovation project estimates a total investment of MX$268 million over five years, destined for the renovation of forums, warehouses, and post-production rooms, the conservation of the film laboratory, establishing alliances for services like recording, dubbing, special effects, and equipment rental, and creating an accessible space for independent productions.

Mexico to Invite Pope Leo XIV. When questioned about the election of Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) as the new Pope, President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated her congratulations to Prevost following his appointment and announced plans to invite him to visit Mexico. 

She remarked positively on his focus on the poor, viewing it as beneficial for addressing the needs of the less fortunate and contributing to global peace and prosperity. She considered this perspective from a Catholic church leader to be consistently respected and a continuation of Pope Francis's legacy. She highlighted his importance as the leader of the Catholic Church due to the significant number of Catholics in the country. President Sheinbaum also indicated that joint efforts between the government and the church, such as the population disarmament program conducted in church courtyards, would continue.

When asked whether she would go to the first mass to present Leo XIV as pope, Sheinbaum said she would not attend. 

Expanding Credit for MSMEs. When questioned regarding her attendance to the 88th Bank Convention and the signing of an agreement with the Association of Mexican Banks (ABM) to boost credit for MSMEs, President Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico's low level of private sector credit access, referencing a graph that showed it at 33%, compared to significantly higher percentages in other countries like Japan with 196%, the United States with 192%, South Korea with 176%, Chile with 110%, and Peru at 46%.  

Sheinbaum stressed the need to lower interest rates and ease requirements to enable small businesses to access credit.  She mentioned the agreement with the ABM involves development and commercial banks, aimed at this objective. She underscored the goal of increasing credit access from Mexican banks, highlighting the important role of commercial banking.