March 28, 2012.
(Romereports.com)
The Pope was greeted by thousands of Cubans in Havana's Revolution
Square, where Benedict XVI celebrated the last Mass of his apostolic
visit. As the Pope made his way to the Plaza, a Cuban choir welcomed
him. The singers wore purple, a color that represents Lent. Cuban
bishops also greeted Benedict XVI as he made his way to the altar.
During his Homily, the Pope said that the need for truth is a natural human desire. A desire, that goes hand in hand with authentic freedom.
Benedict XVI“The
right to freedom of religion, both in its private and in its public
dimension, manifests the unity of the human person, who is at once a
citizen and a believer. It also legitimizes the fact that believers have
a contribution to make to the building up of society.”
The
Pope went on to say that Christianity, does not impose its set of
values. But rather, it gives the opportunity for people to learn the
truth. The truth, said the Pope, sets people free. Cuban president Raul Castro
attended the Mass. There, before him, the Pope recognized that
improvements have been made, but he urged the Cuban government to do
more.
Benedict XVI"To
carry out this duty, she must count on basic religious freedom, which
consists in her being able to proclaim and to celebrate her faith also
in public, bringing to others the message of love, reconciliation and
peace which Jesus brought to the world."
Our Lady of Charity is the Patroness of Cuba. Her image was present at the altar, as the Pope recognized her 400th anniversary.
The Pope also made a point to honor Cuban priest Felix Varela, who died in 1853. As a priest, he encouraged Cubans to think freely and strengthen their spirituality.
Benedict XVI“Father
Varela offers us a path to a true social transformation: to form
virtuous men and women in order to forge a worthy and free nation, for
this transformation depends on man’s spiritual life, in as much as
'there is no authentic fatherland without virtue.'”
The Pope concluded by saying that Cuba and the world need change. But this will only happen, said the Pope, if every person has an opportunity to seek truth and reconciliation.
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