(28 Feb 08 - RV)The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone spoke with
Vatican Radio regarding his recent voyage to Cuba.
Cardinal Bertone returned
Wednesday morning from the Caribbean island nation after five intense days of liturgical
celebrations and meetings with government officials.
The Cardinal’s visit marked
the 10th Anniversary of John Paul II’s historic pastoral voyage to Cuba,
during which the Pope brought a voice of hope and encouragement to the faithful in
Cuba and a message of love to the whole Cuban people.
Cardinal Bertone said
the trip was a positive one, and that in his meetings with the Church in Cuba, the
Cardinal Secretary of State found a Church that is very much alive, notwithstanding
the difficulties she has in acting in certain circumstances.
The Church in
Cuba, said Caridnal Bertone, has not only maintained her freshness, but grown in new
energy through the years.
Cardinal Bertone also discussed Cuba’s difficult
social and economic situation, and called the U.S. embargo of Cuba ethically unacceptable.
Cardinal
Bertone said the Embargo, together with restrictions imposed by the EU, are naturally
aimed at moving the government of the island toward an evolution into greater liberty,
greater respect for human rights; the Vatican Secretary of State said he does not
think the policies favour development, and that they penalize families, children and
young people.