Vatican, May. 2, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news)
called for greater freedom for the Church in Cuba, during a May 2
meeting with the bishops of that country.
As the Cuban bishops finished their ad limina visit, the Holy Father
observed that the conditions facing the Church in Cuba had undergone a
"profound change" in the past 20 years, and particularly since the 1998
visit to Havana by Pope John Paul II (bio - news). He praised the
vitality of Cuban Catholicism, even as he encouraged the bishops to make
greater efforts to spur lay activism.
The formation of a "committed laity" is a worthy goal for Church leaders
in Cuba, the Pope said. With solid religious education and spiritual
support, he added, lay Catholics "will be able to offer convincing
testimony of their faith in all areas of society."
In speaking about the evangelization that lay Catholics can accomplish,
the Pope made the pointed comment: "It is my hope that the Church in
Cuba, in keeping with her legitimate aspirations, may enjoy normal
access to the social communications media." The Cuban bishops have
frequently sought to break down the government's restrictions on
Catholic broadcasting and publishing activities.
Continuing his remarks on the role of the laity, the Pope asked the
bishops to ensure that all Cubans, especially the young, learn to
appreciate "the true values of marriage and the family." Again he added
a pointed comment, saying that parents should be allowed to exercise
"their fundamental right to a religious and moral education for their
children"-- a reference to the bishops' drive to allow the establishment
of Catholic schools.
The Pope said that he hoped for "an increase in vocations" to the
priesthood and religious life in Cuba, along with the provision of an
adequate number of churches to accommodate the faithful.
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