Cardinal says he hopes for new level of church relations with Cuba

Published: 2008-02-20

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- On the eve of his visit to Cuba, a leading Vatican official said he hoped to establish a new level of church-state relations in the Caribbean nation. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, made the remarks to reporters Feb. 19, the same day Fidel Castro resigned as president of Cuba. Cardinal Bertone said he was taking a special blessing from Pope Benedict XVI to all Cubans, including Castro. The cardinal was to visit several cities in Cuba and meet with government officials Feb. 20-26. He said church-state relations in Cuba were complex but had a promising future. "Relations are generally good," he said. "There are problems. We hope to establish a working dialogue that gives positive results and that is maintained."

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