January 5, 2012. (Romereports.com) Cuba may be a small, but there's definitely big excitement over the pope's two day visit in late March.


Eduardo Delgado Bermudez
Cuba's Ambassador to the Holy See
“The  visit will obviously leave a deep footprint in Cuba, just like the visit of John Paul II did.”

Back in 1998, history was made between the Catholic Church and Cuba's communist government. John Paul II visit marked the first time a  pope visited the island.

Now 14 years later, it's Benedict XVI who will make the visit.  Just weeks after announcing his future trip, roughly 2,900 Cuban prisoners were released from prison.

Eduardo Delgado Bermudez
Cuba's Ambassador to the Holy See
“This isn't directly connected, but obviously it was taken into consideration that this year, we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Charity and also the coming visit of the Holy Father.”

The pope's visit does coincide with the 400th anniversary of Our Lady of Charity, who is also  the Patroness of Cuba. In fact, an 18,000 mile pilgrimage that began in August 2010, ended this last December. The ambassador says roughly 2 million people took part.

Eduardo Delgado Bermudez
Cuba's Ambassador to the Holy See
“She was taken to places of key social interest including prisons, Cuba's national dance halls, universities as well as other centers.”

Cuba does recognize religious freedom in its constitution. A traditional African religion known as “Santeria” is widely practiced, but the  ambassador says the majority of its citizens are Catholics.

Eduardo Delgado Bermudez
Cuba's Ambassador to the Holy See
“They go to Church often and priests can practice their religious ministry and go on with their everyday lives.”

The pope will visit Cuba from March 26th to the 28th. The visit also marks 50 years since Fidel Castro was excommunicated. The pope is planning on meeting with president Raul Castro during his visit. Even though his official schedule doesn't include a meeting with Fidel Castro, the ambassador says the possibility can't be ignored.


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