Pope John Paul II accepts Cuban
ambassador's credentials: http://www.walterlippmann.com/docs042.html ================================================ ZS05041810 - 18-04-2005 70 years of Cuba-Holy See relations analyzed by their ambassador to the Vatican
Interview with
Raúl Roa-Kourí The Vatican, Monday, April 18, 2005 (ZENIT.org).- This interview was granted to Zenit by the new Cuban ambassador to the Holy See, Raúl Roa-Kourí. He explains the position of the Cuban government toward the Catholic Church, especially as related to access to the mass media and visas for priests and other religious orders. Ambassador Raúl Roa-Kourí studied in Havana, Washington and Mexico. He has been ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York (1978-1984), ambassador in France (1994-1998) and until 2004 he was president of the UNESCO Cuban National Commission. - Who was John Paul II for Cubans? - Ambassador Roa Kouri: John Paul II traveled to Cuba in January of 1998. It was the first time in the history of our country, including the colonial period, that a pope had visited the island, and confers special significance of the visit by His Holiness. Added to this is the fact that our country was facing serious problems in the national economy due to the disappearance of what was called the “socialist bloc”, our main economic and trade ally. This coincided, also, with a policy of hostility, aggression and economic war by the United States against Cuba which began 40 years ago. Cubans saw the arrival of the Pope during these conditions as an act that was both brave and a gesture of solidarity. If we add to this his statements that “the world open up to Cuba and Cuba open up to the world,” and his rejection of coercive economic measures imposed from abroad, w he called “ethically unjust and unacceptable,” then it is easy to understand why the Cuban people – including non-believers – and leaders of the revolution felt a deep respect, admiration and affection for the deceased pope. It was, as Fidel Castro himself explained it, that, “he was a friend”. -The Catholic Church considers that the number of religious personnel in the Island is insufficient and they still have difficulty receiving visas. - Ambassador Roa Kouri: it is true that the Church believes that the number of Catholic priests in Cuba is not enough. It is a situation which has its roots in the colony when almost all priests, logically, were of Spanish nationality. Later, during the neocolonial republican period military imposed by the United States, the majority of priests were Spaniards and pro-Franco. This, of course caused friction between the Church – which, quite a few times, openly conspired with the counterrevolution – and the the then expelled the pro-Franco priests. Later the Government authorized entry of priests of different nationalities is done at present. Currently, in our country there are 347 priests and 61 deacons; with temporary residencies for more than a year there are 34 who cooperate with different dioceses. In the 11 existing dioceses, there are 24 men and 55 women whom, added to the 197 priests there, account for a total of 1017 religious personnel. Unfortunately not many have developed vocation and, consequently, Cuban priests are insufficient to offer attention to believers (today there are only 76 seminarians in the two seminaries in the country). On the other hand, it is difficult for the state to approve new priests if they do not have adequate living conditions here. Houses, as you know are insufficient and priority is given to those who substitute foreign personnel who conclude there stay here. Of course, we work with the local churches to solve their needs although, unfortunately, not as much as we would like. - Cuba is well known for its high educational level. Why not allow the Catholic Church to join this educational mission? - Ambassador Roa Kouri: In Cuba education is the right of every citizen and the state guarantees it equally for all. Our society is based on socialist principles and considers that education should be secular and public. Therefore, there is no private education. Before, there were private schools: Catholic, Protestant and Jewish, as well as public schools. However, the new constitution of 1976 – approved by 97% of the population – specifies that teaching is a responsibility of the state and is free. At the same time “it bases its educational and cultural policy on advances of science and technology, the philosophies of Marx and Marti, progressive Cuban teachings and universal tradition. Of course, the Catholic and Protestant churches and synagogues can teach – and do so – religious instruction to its believers. - The Catholic Church would want greater access to the mass media. Why can’t it have it? Ambassador Roa Kouri: The Catholic Church in Cuba has a chance access to the mass media. For example, during the visit of the Pope, as preparation for his visit and on his demise Cardenal Jaime Ortega was able to address the people through national television. It’s true that the church would like more access to radio, TV and the press – that, since education is State responsibility – is part of periodic discussions held with the Catholic hierarchy and our authorities, and mine with my counterparts in the Vatican. However, the 11 dioceses issue more than 70 publications. Although they do not have national circulation like our newspapers, freely express their points of view. There are those who only deal with political issues far from the function of the Church. And many are illegal since they are not registered as publicationas as required by law. This is something that must be corrected.
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It could seem that the Cuban government is afraid of the church… We trust the Catholics who are, in the majority, revolutionary, as well as we trust the Protestants, Jews, Muslims and believers in the African religions which are very widespread in Cuba. But, above all, we trust in the justice of our project that is the strong basis of our revolution. -The Castro government has never broken diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Did they ever consider breaking them at any time? Ambassador Roa Kouri: Cuba and the Holy See celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. It is significant for more than five generations of Cubans, many who consider the Pope their spiritual mentor. It is also true for the non-believers because the Holy See plays an important role in the world and in international life. The policy of our government is not to break diplomatic relations with any state – when it has done so, of course, very few, it has been for reasons of principle – it did not even do so with the United States when it decided to break with Cuba in 1960. No, we have never considered breaking diplomatic relations with the Holy See. |
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ZS05041810 - 18-04-2005 Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-15442?l=spanish 70 años de relaciones Cuba-Santa Sede,
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