Goal of Catholic Church in Cuba is to help Cubans, pope tells bishops

Published: 2008-02-21

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The goal of the Roman Catholic Church in Cuba is to help the Cuban people, Pope Benedict XVI said. In a letter delivered to Cuban bishops Feb. 21, the pope said the bishops' efforts to revive the church in Cuba must demonstrate that "the church, centering its gaze on Jesus Christ, wants to do good, to promote the dignity of the person and -- sowing sentiments of understanding, mercy and reconciliation -- contribute to improving humanity and society." The text of the papal letter was released at the Vatican and it was read by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, at a meeting with the Cuban bishops' commemorating the 10th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to their country. The pope said he understood that sharing the Gospel message could be difficult and delicate under certain circumstances, but even the smallest gestures of Christian charity can be effective means of evangelization. "Sometimes some Christian communities feel oppressed by difficulties, by a lack of resources, by indifference or even distrust, which can lead to discouragement," he said.

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