Pope meets bishops from Cuba

(May 2, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday encouraged the Catholic Church of Cuba to engage in a bold and generous evangelization especially of the laity, by promoting a personal experience of Christ and a solid Christian formation in church teaching. The Pope met 11 Cuban bishops in the Vatican during their ‘ad limina visit’ to Rome, which heads of dioceses are required to make every 5 years of so to report on the state of their jurisdiction. The Holy Father encouraged a genuine process of faith education for lay people, particularly recommending reading and prayerful meditation of the Word of God, as well as frequent access to the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. He also called for a solid indoctrination in the Church’s social teaching so that the faithful may be able to offer a convincing testimony of their faith in all spheres of society. The Holy Father shared the concerns of the Cuban bishops with regard to marriage and the family, acknowledging the instability caused by problems such as divorce, separation, abortion and economic hardship. He particularly urged them to redouble their efforts to help the young appreciate the values of marriage and the family. He also encouraged families to exercise their responsibility and fundamental right to the religious and moral education of their children. The Pope hoped that the upcoming beatification of Jose Valdes Olalla, the first such ceremony to be held on Cuban soil, will given a new impetus to the Church in its service to the Cuban people in always being a ferment of reconciliation, justice and peace. He also hoped that the Cuban Church has greater access to the media.