Cuba’s Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Pope

(Dec.10,2009): The Catholic Church in Cuba feels close to the population of the country and wants to contribute its modest and effective help for the welfare of the people, Pope Benedict XVI told the ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Holy See, Eduardo Delgado, when he presented his letters of Credence on Thursday. The Pope noted that Cuba has achieved a decisive role, particularly in the economic and political context of the Carribbean and Latin America, and offers many countries collaboration in vital areas, such as literacy and health and promotes international cooperation and solidarity. Pope Benedict hoped that this will contribute to fulfilling the call that his venerable predecessor Pope John Paul II, released on his historic visit to the island on 21^st January,1998: “Let Cuba open itself with all its wonderful possibilities to the world, and the world open to Cuba.”Noting that Cuba also suffers the consequences of the financial crises, and the devastating effects of natural disasters, Pope Benedict said it is important that the government strives to remedy the serious effects without disregarding the basic rights of citizens. Pope Benedict also hoped the openness to the exercise of religious freedom will continue, as it done in recent years, such as the opportunity to celebrate Mass in some prisons, religious processions, carrying out the repair and return of some churches, the building of religious houses, and the possibility of having welfare for priests and religious.
The Pope urged Cuba to rediscover moral values, such as the respect for life from conception until natural death. The Church, he said, has launched numerous initiatives of social assistance in the country for the sick, elderly and helpless. In conclusion the Pope assured the Cuban people of his prayers and told Cuba’s ambassador that a nation which travels on the path of harmony gives people the hope for a better future.