Pope urges Cuba to expand religious freedom

December 10, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI prodded the government of Cuba to allow greater scope for religious liberty, during a December 10 meeting with a new ambassador from that country to the Holy See. The Pontiff reminded the new envoy, Eduardo Delgado Bermudez, of the visit to Cuba by Pope John Paul II and the late Pontiff’s challenge to Cuba to “open itself up to the world.” Pope Benedict added his own wish that “tangible signs of openness in the exercise of religious freedom will continue to increase, as has been happening over recent years.”

In his remarks to the Cuban ambassador the Pope expressed sympathy for the economic difficulties facing that country. He voiced optimism, however, about a possible end to the American embargo on Cuba, saying that “certain signs of openness in relations with the neighboring United States presage new opportunities for a mutually beneficial rapprochement, in full respect for the sovereignty and rights of States and their citizens.”

 

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Further information:

• Cuba: Concrete Signs of Openness to Religious Freedom (VIS)