HAVANA, MARCH 29, 2012 (Zenit.org).- For the second time in history, a Pontiff has met with the highest authority in Cuba. The meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Cuban President Raúl Castro, held in the Palace of the Revolution, lasted more than three-quarters of an hour.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, said that the meeting was “cordial and serene” and its long duration attests to the importance of the conversation on the situation of Cuba and the expectations of the local Church, which wishes to give an ever greater contribution to the common good, by developing its presence in the fields of education and welfare.”
The two discussed problems of importance in the Caribbean Island and the evolution of relations between the Church and the government. One highlight was the Holy Father’s proposal to Castro to recognize Good Friday as a public holiday.
The Pontiff’s request has not received an official confirmation by the Havana government. If it responds, it would be a further step forward for the liberty of the Church in Cuba, after Blessed John Paul II succeeded in 1998 in convincing Fidel Castro to restore Christmas as a civil holiday.
At the end of the meeting, the traditional exchange of gifts took place: Castro gave Benedict XVI a reproduction in bronze of Our Lady of Cobre, while the Pope gave the Cuban President a facsimile of Ptolemy’s Geographia (15th century).
Following the final Mass celebrated Wednesday in Revolution Plaza the Pope also met with former Cuban president, Fidel Castro, shortly before leaving for the airport to fly back to Rome.
No details of what was discussed were released, but Father Lombardi said in the meeting there was “an exchange of ideas” in a “very cordial” atmosphere.
Castro stepped down from power in 2008 due to health problems. Father Lombardi also denied rumors that the Pontiff had met with Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez.
