Cardinal Bertone on Cuba Part 2

(01 Mar 08 - RV) Here we publish excerpts from the second part of an exclusive interview with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, given to Vatican Radio on his return from Cuba.

During his visit marking the 10^th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Papal Journey to Cuba, Cardinal Bertone met with newly confirmed President Raul Castro for private discussions.

The Cardinal spoke about the main themes touched on in the 55 minute encounter, which included an official invitation to Pope Benedict XVI.

“First and foremost we discussed the question of the permanence of values in Cuban society. President Raul is also concerned about the loss of values …. above all in the world of young people. He must guide the nation towards a new chapter in its social, political and religious history. Therefore, we have shared concerns regarding the values and formation of young people. The government intends to focus on educating young people in fundamental values through the country’s well known institutes of higher learning and universities, the Church can effectively contribute to this educational gaol”.

“A second point we discussed regarded the work of the Bishops’ Conference and the Church in relation to the concrete problems which arise within the nation, such as for example, the building of new places of worship. There is great fervour in the Church in Cuba, particularly among the youth groups. There is a beautiful relationship between priests religious and civil society. Caritas is held in high esteem by the government for its network of aid to the needy, the poor and the elderly. The question of the Church’s juridical status as well as that of Caritas, remains a problem, however. But the issue will be addressed and studied in the future by the Government and the Bishops conference. President Raul spoke, in his inaugural address, of respect for institutions. This problem exists for the Church in Cuba, in its various instances; the problem can be faced bilaterally and it is hoped with necessary courage and openness”.

The Cardinal then reflected on issues of International interest discussed with the Cuban President.

“We spoke about the problem of detainee assistance. Above all about spiritual assistance to Catholic and non Catholic prisoners. I presented president Raul with a list of names of prisoners to be taken into consideration for humanitarian reasons, in complete respect of Cuba’s sovereignty, of the rights of all involved and therefore also the rights of the Government. I expressed the Churches’ concern for the families of the detained”.

“The President underlined the importance of reciprocity on an International level; he expressed his willingness to deal with all problems in an open manner and to take concrete steps, where there is reciprocity, in full respect of the identity and sovereignty of the Cuban people. As is well Known the crucial issue in Cuba regards the embargo imposed by the United States and the European Unions’ economic sanctions which prevent development and limit capacity to tackle the grave socio-economic difficulties which afflict the Island. In this regards the President underlined the problem of five Cuban prisoners in the United States and the issues of humanitarian aid to them, with the eventual possibility of an exchange”. The Cardinal also pointed out that “It is a well known fact that those who suffer the most because of the embargo, are the Cuban people…. For my part I assured the Holy See’s support for a reduction, if not the elimination of these sanctions. Of course, this will have to then lead to greater freedom, towards a recognition of personal, social, political and economic rights. There are already promising steps forward, that Cuba is next to signing two United Nations Conventions on these personal, social, political and economic rights”.

The Cardinal also spoke of the perception that the Church in Cuba is a persecuted Church.
“….The Church in Cuba is not a persecuted one. It meets with certain difficulties, such as those already mentioned, the building of new churches or education. We spoke with President Raul on the issues of the Catholic Faith being taught in state schools. It is clear that this is a gaol that cannot be realised at this present time…. The Church in Cuba is not a persecuted Church in the Historic sense of persecutions, even if it is a fact that authorities are particularly vigilant of some Pastors of Church. Despite this there is the possibility of publically expressing one’s faith. Naturally, the problem of relations with political dissidents cannot be ignored, but returning to the Church there has been greater openness to public demonstrations, such as processions and open air celebrations. Media gave a discreet amount of time to my visit. At particular moments the Cardinal, bishop of Santa Clara and the bishop of Guantanamo even spoke on television. Naturally only for very few minutes, but these are small steps which show a concrete warming. The young people, students in the Latin American School of Medicine publically manifested their Catholic identity, their belonging to the Church and their commitment to bringing Christian values to Cuban Society . During my visit to the Latin American School of Medicine, the aula magna was crowded with young people; some had even raised a banner «somo de Cristo» (I am Christ’s) and no one had it removed. Despite the limitations … we must accept these small steps…, the politics of small steps, which have been made in these past ten years and which continue to be made”.