As Mexico prepares for the upcoming five-day visit of Pope Francis on Feb. 12 to 17, dozens of Mexican activists have called for the Pontiff's attention especially on social justice issues, corruption and human rights abuses in the country.

The Central American nation has been known to have appalling human rights record. As a matter of fact, the human rights injustices under the administration of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto is so extensive and formidable that it sums to a human rights crisis of epidemic scopes, The Guardian reported.

Furthermore, the nation's current human rights record is also so terrible that it is similar with some of the worst times in the country's recent history.

Due to the violence and corruption that plagued the country, Mexican activists are hopeful that Pope Francis will tackle the human rights abuses and corruption in the country. According to Latin Correspondent, Pope Francis will visit the regions where drug violence and poverty are rampant. Social justice will also be one of the Pope's agenda.

"The message we're sending is that Mexico is a country in pain, and we hope that Pope Francis will acknowledge the impunity suffered by the victims," activist Sandra Cárdenas, whose 16-year-old daughter Linda was murdered in 2009, said.

Jesuit University of Guadalajara professor David Velasco also added that the Catholic Church has been viewed as "ineffective" amid Mexico's social justice problems. Religion News Service even cited that the Mexican Church is not a "church of the poor, stressing its leaders don't emphasize poverty.

In addition, the Church also lag behind in addressing Mexico's bloody wars on drugs. Thus, Pope Francis' itinerary is threatened with symbolism.

"It's not enough for a few courageous bishops around the country to take a stand," Virginia Commonwealth University Religious Studies professor Andrew Chestnut said. "The hierarchy as a whole must speak out."

Velasco, however, stressed that the Vatican is aware of the issues.

"The Vatican is aware of this and the visit by Pope Francis will try to revitalize passion for the Church in a country that faces many difficulties right now," Velasco said in an interview.

"He will be diplomatic, of course, because that's his role," the professor added. "But I think he is sending a message by visiting these places, which are emblematic of the many problems facing Mexico, and it may certainly have an effect on the political debate."

In a nation where over 150,000 have died in various forms of violence since 2007, over 30 Mexican human rights organizations have signed a petition asking Pope Francis to emphasize the countless abuses suffered by migrants, women and children.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis will reportedly end his five-day Mexico visit with a very symbolic and potentially controversial act. As reported by Market Watch, the Pope will take a stand on the fortified U.S. border to show solidarity with the migrants attempting to cross it.

Pope Francis' gesture comes at the peak of an acrimonious political season in the United States, where immigration has become a controversial topic.