Cuban bishops hope new president will respond to demands of citizens

Published: 2008-02-26

HAVANA (CNS) -- Cuba's Catholic bishops expressed hope that the country's new president, Raul Castro, and the governing council he heads will respond decisively to the demands of the island-nation's citizens. In a statement released Feb. 25 in Havana, the Cuban bishops' conference said it prayed that the legislature, known as the National Assembly of People's Power, the governing Council of State and the president would move ahead "decisively (with) transcendental measures that we know must be progressive." The bishops said they hoped the moves "can begin to satisfy the longings and concerns expressed by Cubans." The statement referred to the call made by the island's "top authorities" in September and October for Cubans to debate "the most urgent problems of all kinds" that were affecting the people. "They called for this to be done with clarity and courage," the bishops said. Raul Castro was chosen Feb. 24 to replace his brother, Fidel Castro, who resigned because of illness after nearly half a century in power.

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