The Pope called for a new and open society in Cuba
SANTIAGO DE CUBA (Reuters) – the Pope Benedict XVI on Monday urged Cubans to build a new and open society in the Socialist country, which seeks to strengthen ties with the Government of Raúl Castro to boost the public role of the Church in times of change that have generated hopes and fears on the Caribbean island. The Holy Father began a three day visit that many expect the Church to increase its power to mediate with the Communist Party, only legal on the island, on issues as sensitive as human rights, political freedoms and dissident groups. “desire to appeal to give new vigour to their faith (…) and with the weapons of peace, forgiveness and compression, fight to build a society open and renewed, a better, more worthy of man society”, said the Bishop of Rome in a crowded homily, which began under a scorching sun and sprinkled with a light drizzle ended. The Pope was greeted by President Castro at the airport of Santiago de Cuba under the thunderous salute of cannons and the cheers of thousands of people, in a tribute to the Virgen de la Caridad, national patron in his 400th anniversary. The historic meeting between Pope John Paul II and former President Fidel Castro in 1998 put an end to the hostility between the two institutions since the triumph of the revolution in 1959....
Read More