http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/29marz-Fidel-BenedictXVI.html Havana. March 29, 2012
Fidel and Pope Benedict XVI meet SHORTLY after the multitudinous mass celebrated in Plaza de la Revolución, Pope Benedict XVI received the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz. The meeting took place at the Apostolic Nunciature in Havana. Fidel arrived there at 12:20pm and was welcomed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State of the Holy See, who he met previously in Cuba when the second member of the Vatican hierarchy visited the country. During the 30-minute meeting with the Pope, Fidel affirmed that he had followed all the events of the Supreme Pontiff’s tour on Cuban television and was interested in details of the liturgy of the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI expressed his gratitude for the displays of affection that he had received and explained the context of his travels throughout the world to confirm Christians in the faith, as well as the Church’s service to the people. The two leaders had an animated conversation about ecological, cultural, scientific and religious issues, as well as the serious problems affecting humanity. Fidel asked the Pope to send him some books on these issues of so much interest to him. In a press conference in Havana, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi confirmed that the meeting between the leader of the Cuban Revolution and Pope Benedict XVI was "very cordial" and emphasized the good spirits of both statesmen. ++++ Havana. March 29, 2012 I take with me, within the deepest part of my being, each and every one of the Cubans who have surrounded me with their prayer and affection • Speech given by His Holiness Benedict XVI during the farewell ceremony at Havana’s José Martí International Airport, March 28, 2012 Mr. President, Cardinals and dear Episcopal brothers, Honorable authorities, Ladies and Gentlemen, All friends, I give thanks to God, who has allowed me to visit this beautiful island, which left such a profound impression on my beloved predecessor, blessed John Paul II, when he was in these lands as a messenger of truth and hope. I have also ardently hoped to come among you as a pilgrim, to thank the Virgin Mary for the presence of her venerated image in the El Cobre Sanctuary, from where she accompanies the way of the Church in this nation and inspires the spirit of all Cubans so that, from the hand of Christ, they may discover the real meaning of the hopes and desires of the human heart and attain the necessary strength to construct a society committed to solidarity, in which no one feels excluded. "Christ, risen from the dead, shines throughout the world, and does so in his clearest form, precisely where, according to human judgment, everything seems somber and without hope. He has overcome death – He lives – and faith in Him penetrates like a ray of light all that is darkness and doom." I thank Mr. President and the rest of the country’s authorities for their interest and the generous collaboration afforded to ensure the positive development of this journey. My deep gratitude is also due to members of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba, who have spared no effort or sacrifice to this same end, and to the many who have contributed to it in different ways, in particular with prayer. I take with me, in the deepest part of my being, each and every one of the Cubans who have surrounded me with their prayer and affection, offering me cordial hospitality and including me as a participant in their most profound and just aspirations. I came here as a witness of Jesus Christ, convinced that wherever he comes, disheartenment gives way to hope, goodness disperses uncertainties and a vigorous force opens the horizon to unforeseen and beneficial perspectives. In his name, and as successor to the Apostle Peter, I have wished to recall his message of salvation, which strengthens the enthusiasm and solicitude of Cuban bishops, as well as that of its priests, religious persons and those studying in hopes of entering the priesthood and a life of devotion. Let it also serve as a new impulse to those cooperating with constancy and abnegation in evangelical tasks, especially the secular faithful, in order that, intensifying their devotion to God in their homes and workplaces, they do not tire of responsibly making their contribution to the good and integral progress of the homeland. The way that Christ proposes to humanity and to every one and people in particular, in no way restricts them, rather it is the primary and principal factor supporting their genuine development. May the Light of the Lord, which has shone brightly in these days, not fade in those who have welcomed it and will help everyone to extend concord and make fruitful the best of the Cuban soul, its noblest values, upon which it is possible to cement a society of broad horizons, renewed and reconciled. May no one see themselves impeded from joining in this impassioned task as a result of limitations on their basic liberties, nor exempted from it by neglect or lack of material resources. This is a situation aggravated when restrictive economic measures imposed from outside the country weigh negatively on the population. I conclude my pilgrimage here, but I will continue praying fervently for you to continue moving forward and for Cuba to be the home of all and for all Cubans, where justice and freedom live in a climate of serene fraternity. The respect for and cultivation of freedom which beats in the hearts of all human beings is essential in order to respond appropriately to the fundamental demands of their dignity, and thus build a society in which all people feel themselves to be indispensable protagonists of the future of their lives, their families and their homeland. The present hour urgently demands that in human interaction, nationally and internationally, intransigent positions and unilateral points of view be discarded, those which tend to make mutual understanding more difficult and collaborative efforts ineffective. Possible disagreements and difficulties must be resolved through the tireless search for what unites us, with patient, sincere dialogue, reciprocity and the consistent willingness to listen, accepting challenges which present renewed hopes. Cuba, revive the faith of your elders, draw from it the strength to build a better future, trust in the promise of the Lord, open your heart to the gospel to genuinely renew your personal and social life. As I bid you a heartfelt farewell, I ask Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre to protect all Cubans with her embrace, to sustain them amidst trials and that they might receive from the Almighty, the grace they long for. Forever yours, Cuba, a land blessed with the maternal presence of Mary! May God bless your destiny. Thank you very much. - Your encounter with the Cuban people has given you the opportunity to understand us more fully and confirm the legitimacy of our efforts [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Post message: [email protected] Subscribe : [email protected] Unsubscribe : [email protected] List owner : [email protected] Homepage : http://proletar.8m.com/Yahoo! 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