Vatican official asks Cuban leaders for 'gestures of reconciliation'

Published: 2008-02-26

HAVANA (CNS) -- The Vatican's secretary of state said he had asked Cuban leaders for "gestures of reconciliation" and confirmed he would be the first foreign official to be received by the island-nation's new president, Raul Castro. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who arrived Feb. 20 for an official and pastoral visit, met Feb. 25 with Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque. At a press conference after that meeting, he said he hoped his encounter with Castro would be one of "clarity, sincerity and sharing of ideas." Raul Castro was chosen Feb. 24 to lead the country after his brother, Fidel Castro, resigned. He also called the U.S. embargo against Cuba "ethically unacceptable" and said the Vatican is trying "to push the United States to eliminate it." "It is a violation of the independence of the people," the cardinal said. "The Vatican confirms this position." The cardinal also said he personally had asked "the United States government to facilitate the reunification of families" with members in Cuba and in the United States. "It is a humanitarian instrument. We will do everything possible in this direction," he said.

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