Prelate emphasizes US bishops’ support for human rights in Cuba

March 23, 2012

On the eve of Pope Benedict’s apostolic journey to Cuba, the chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has emphasized that the US bishops support religious liberty and human rights in the Communist nation.

“We support efforts of the Church to strengthen religious freedom, defend human rights in Cuba, and promote civil society,” said Bishop Richard Pates of Des Moines. “We share the view of the bishops of Cuba that the best way to promote greater respect for religious freedom and human rights is through increased dialogue and contact, not isolation of the Cuban people.”

“The situation in Cuba is of great concern to the Church in the United States,” he added. “We unite ourselves with our Holy Father and the Church in Cuba in speaking for the dignity and value of each human life, safeguarding religious freedom, and promoting human rights for all the citizens of this nation at this time of great joy.”

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Pates: Expressing Solidarity with Our Holy Father and the Church in Cuba (USCCB Blog)