Benedict XVI 's farewell to Cuba in 2012

(Vatican Radio) On the eve of his visit to Cuba Pope Francis reiterated his intent to : “do everything possible to build bridges, to remove barriers, and to foster communication “ between Cuba and the United States.

Three years have gone by since the last Pope to visit Cuba, Benedict XVI, delivered his farewell speech to the island nation  in Havana. A speech which in part echoes those words, in a special way when he speaks of a society of 'broad vision' and highlights how 'restrictive economic measures, imposed from outside the country, unfairly burden its people." This is what he said:  

A programme presented and produced by Veronica Scarisbrick:

"The path which Christ points out to humanity, and to each particular individual and people, is not a source of constraint, but rather the primary and principal premise for their authentic development. The light of the Lord, has shone brightly during these days; may that light never fade in those who have welcomed it; may it help all people to foster social harmony and to allow the blossoming of all that is finest in the Cuban soul, its most noble values, which can be the basis for building a society of broad vision, renewed and reconciled. May no one feel excluded from taking up this exciting task because of limitations of his or her basic freedoms, or excused by indolence or lack of material resources, a situation which is worsened when restrictive economic measures, imposed from outside the country, unfairly burden its people."

Cuba, he went on to say,  look again to the faith of your elders, draw from that faith the strength to build a better future, trust in the Lord’s promises, and open your heart to his Gospel so as to renew authentically your personal and social life.

As I bid you a heartfelt 'adios', I ask our Lady of Charity of El Cobre to protect all Cubans under her mantle, to sustain them in the midst of their trials and to obtain from Almighty God the grace that they most desire. 'Hasta siempre', Cuba, a land made beautiful by the maternal presence of Mary. May God bless your future. Thank you!