Good news from Cuba: In his weekly editorial, Vatican Radio Director
General and Vatican Press Office Director, Fr Federico Lombardi, ponders recent events
in Cuba:
“The official
statement of the Archbishop of Havana on the release of more than fifty prisoners
held in Cuban prisons, also published in the newspaper of the Cuban Communist Party,
and the interruption of the hunger strike of journalist Guillermo Fariñas, is long
awaited good news from the Caribbean Island. They are significant signs that we
hope indicate a steady progress toward a renewed climate of social and political life
that we all desire for the Cuban nation. Allow us to reflect for a moment. The
crucial role of Cuban Cardinal Ortega Alamino and president of the episcopate, Msgr.
Dionisio García, in the dialogue process was made possible by the obvious fact that
the Catholic Church is deeply rooted in people and a trusted interpreter of their
spirit and expectations. It is not something alien, it does not flee in times of difficulty.
It bears suffering and hope, with dignity and patience, without servility but also
without trying to increase tensions and excite minds. On the contrary, it does so
with a continued commitment to opening avenues for understanding and dialogue. For
its part, the Holy See accompanies and supports the local Church with spiritual solidarity
and its international authority. From the journey of John Paul II and the recent visits
by the Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop. Dominique Mamberti,
to diplomatic contacts within the Vatican on the situation in Cuba, the Holy See has
always manifested itself contrary to the embargo, sympathetic to the sufferings of
the people, and ready to support any prospect of constructive dialogue. "Let Cuba
open itself up to the world and the world open itself to Cuba!" exclaimed John Paul
II in his memorable 1998 trip. With patience, there has been significant progress
in this direction. We all hope that the journey continues”.