Cuban bishops look forward to papal visit; exiles have misgivings

March 02, 2012

Cuba’s Catholic bishops have issued a statement welcoming Pope Benedict XVI, who is scheduled to visit the island nation later this month.

The Cuban bishops call on the faithful to prepare for the papal visit, which will take place March 26-28, with prayer, fasting, and works of mercy.

In Miami, however, more than 700 Cuban exiles have joined in a plea for the Pope to reconsider his visit to Cuba. They said that the Pope’s presence in Cuba would provide benefits for a government that oppresses the Church, and encouraged the Pontiff to send a message that would “halt the repression against those who want to go to church.”

 

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Further information:

• Cuban bishops welcome Pope for upcoming visit (Vatican Radio)
• Cuban activists urge the pope to reconsider his planned visit (Miami Herald)