Last week, Cardinal Tarsiso Bertone, the Vatican's Secretary of State made an official visit to Cuba in the name of the Holy Father. This visit, ten years after the Holy Father John Paul II himself visited the comunist Caribbean island nation has proven to be a very successful venture in the words of Cardinal Bertone himself.
In today's edition of ZENIT, an online bulletin which claims to provide the 'view from Rome', mention is made of a Vatican Radio program and a print media article which is scheduled to be aired and published this weekend. Cardinal Bertone's report about the current state of affairs in Cuba seems to be very hopeful. He makes particular mention of the vibrancy of youth and the promise of future advancements for the good of the people of Cuba.
During his one-week stay, the Cardinal met with a variety of personalities and delivered a number of speeches, most of which are available on the Vatican website in various languages. For those whose curiosity has been peeked, here are a few links to English-language texts of the speeches:
After more than fifty years in power, Fidel Castro announced just a few weeks ago that he would not seek re-election. This news was broadcast the world over, and greeted in a variety of manners. Shortly after the announcement of Fidel's 'resignation', the long-time leader's brother Raul Castro took over as leader of the island nation. During his visit, Cardinal Bertone did indeed meet with Raul Castro, and the results of that meeting seem also to be very positive.
Be sure that the Vatican, the Church and many others will be watching with great interest in the coming days, weeks, months ... and years.
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A list of all the speeches given during his visit to Cuba is now available on the Vatican website (in Italian and Spanish).
From the Vatican homepage, follow the links to ROMAN CURIA, SECRETARIAT OF STATE and STATEMENTS OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
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