The once atheist communist government of Cuba has now taken a high interest in Religion. A Christmas message was read on National television by the Roman Catholic of Cuba – now second year running. The message that Cardinal Jaime Ortega conveyed in a past show was full of gratitude, as Cuban Americans were finally able to reunite with their families. This was due to President Barack Obama removing the restrictions that originally prohibited any connection with Cuba and America.
The complete message was aired on Cuba’s government controlled television. A spokesperson for Havana’s Conference of Bishops, Orlando Marquez confirmed that the authorities had planned to show a Christmas concert that took place at the National Cathedral.
A 67 year old retired mother Elisa Ramos, stated; for the first time in 12 years her son will spend Christmas in Cuba. It’s the greatest thing that has happened to them.
After Jaime Ortega’s broadcast, there have been some growing signs of some improvement between the relationship of the government and the church.
In November 2008, thousands of faith believers gathered for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey. Amazingly, President Raul Castro also took part in this.
Raul took over his brothers place Fidel Castro as president earlier in the year of 2008. His first diplomatic meeting was with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Pope Benedict XVI’s secretary of state. Bertone was commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit in Cuba.
Religion in Cuba was affected in 1959, this was after Fidel Castro was designated as President of the Country. The government closed down religious institutions and expelled priests. However, changes were made in 1990 – all reference to “no religion” had been removed and people with different faiths were allowed to unite with the Communist Party. Later in the year, the condition changed when a visit from Pope John Paul II was made to Cuba.
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