Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The "decisive leading role" reached by Cuba in the economic and political context of the Caribbean and Latin America, "some signs of a thaw in its relations with the neighboring United States," and the commitment to favor “international cooperation and solidarity, without the latter being subordinate to interests other than aid itself to needy populations,” were addressed by the Holy Father Benedict XVI in the audience granted to the new Ambassador of Cuba, on December 10.
The Holy Father recalled that Cuba is also feeling the effects of the grave world crisis, in addition to “the devastating effects of natural disasters and the economic embargo,” which especially affect the poorest persons and families. “In this complex general situation, we see the urgent need for an economy that, built on solid ethical bases, places the person and his rights and his material and spiritual good, at the center of its interests,” the Pope said. The Catholic Church in Cuba, ever close to the people, “wishes to contribute through her modest and effective aid,” while increased cooperation reached with the authorities of the country has already helped to achieve significant relief and reconstruction projects, especially in natural disasters.
“I hope that there will be more concrete signs of openness to the exercise of religious liberty will continue to multiply, as has been happening in recent years, for example, the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass in some prisons, the carrying out of religious processions, the repair and devolution of some churches and the construction of some religious houses, and the possibility to count on social security for priests and religious. Thus, the Catholic community can more easily go about its specific pastoral labor.” The Pope also expressed his hope for the approval “a juridical framework that defines suitably existing relations, never interrupted, between the Holy See and Cuba, and which guarantees the adequate development of the life and pastoral action of the Church in that nation."
Lastly, Benedict XVI mentioned the Cuban Church's preparations to celebrate in 2012 the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the “Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre,” Mother and Patroness of Cuba: “This beloved Marian invocation is a luminous symbol of the religiosity of the Cuban people and of the Christian roots of their culture.”
Recalling that all men and women, especially young people, need today as in any other age, to rediscover the basic moral, human, and spiritual values, the Holy Father emphasized that “the principal service that the Church offers Cubans is the proclamation of Jesus Christ and his message of love, forgiveness and reconciliation in the truth. A people who follows this path of concord is a people with hope in a better future.”
After quoting various social welfare initiatives implemented by the Church in Cuba, as a witness of charity and that have helped many sick, elderly, and disabled, the Pope expressed his hope that this climate also fosters the participation of the Church "in the mass media and in the implementation of supplementary educational tasks in accordance with her specific pastoral and spiritual mission.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 11/12/2009)
