Pope sees signs of religious freedom in Cuba
The Associated Press
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday there are growing signs
of religious freedom in Cuba and that there is an opportunity for
reconciliation between the communist nation and the United States.
Welcoming Havana's new ambassador to the Vatican, Benedict also
expressed sympathy for Cuba's suffering during the global downturn as
well as "the devastating effects of natural disasters and the economic
embargo."
President Barack Obama has loosened some travel and financial
restrictions, and the two countries have discussed re-establishing
direct mail links. Still, Washington has made clear it has no intention
of ending its embargo unless Cuba undertakes political, economic and
social reform.
Benedict told Eduardo Delgado Bermudez that "certain signs of openness
in relations with the neighboring United States presage new
opportunities for a mutually beneficial rapprochement."
He spoke in Spanish and the Vatican provided an official English
translation.
Benedict cited encouraging signs of religious freedom, including the
celebration of Mass in some prisons, a new tolerance of religious
processions, the refurbishment of some church buildings, and the
extension of social security to the clergy.
"It is my hope that tangible signs of openness in the exercise of
religious freedom will continue to increase, as has been happening over
recent years," Benedict said in a speech.
Cuba's single-party, communist government never outlawed religion, but
expelled priests and closed religious schools when Fidel Castro took
power in January 1959.
Relations between the church and the government have improved
considerably since Pope John Paul II toured the island in 1998.
Pope sees signs of religious freedom in Cuba - World AP -
MiamiHerald.com (10 December 2009)
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1375675.html
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