Santiago de
Cuba (AsiaNews) - "Real progress calls
for an ethics which focuses on the human person and takes account of the most
profound human needs, especially man's spiritual and religious dimension": this is the answer
that Benedict XVI has indicated to the economic crisis "which has left humanity devoid of
values and defenceless before the ambition and selfishness of certain powers
which take little account of the true good of individuals and families". Benedict XVI's
address to Raul Castro, who welcomed him upon his arrival in Santiago de Cuba
spoke about the importance of recognizing human values and those of faith in an
officially atheist country.
Already mid-flight to Mexico, his first stop on this trip,
the Pope had defined Marxism as "superseded" now - without repeating that
statement - he explains why.
There
is no crowd at the international airport: the regime had not allowed for it,
although very committed to the success of this papal visit.
Benedict XVI
recalled the historic visit of Pope John Paul II: then welcoming the Pope was
Fidel Castro: "
His visit to this
island was like a gentle breath of fresh air which gave new strength to the
Church in Cuba, awakening in many a renewed awareness of the importance of
faith and inspiring them to open their hearts to Christ, while at the same time
kindling their hope and encouraging their desire to work fearlessly for a
better future."
"One of the important
fruits of that visit - he adds - was the inauguration of a new phase in the
relationship in Cuba between Church and State, in a new spirit of cooperation
and trust, even if many areas remain in which greater progress can and ought to
be made, especially as regards the indispensable public contribution that
religion is called to make in the life of society".
It 's almost
a warning to Raul Castro, who in his opening, as well as touching on the
predictable themes of peace and the exploitation of rich countries, defended
the progress of the Revolution, and spoke of "collaboration" with the
Holy See: the Church, in Pope's
words, appreciates what has been done, but says there is still much to do. Not
surprisingly, in his discourse Benedict XVI speaks to the children and
families, but even inmates, reminding all that Christianity is in the soul of
the people, by listing the Christian "fathers" nation, and, referring
to the Virgin of "El Cobre" - which
celebrates the 400th anniversary - he asks for Her intercession " to guide the future of this beloved nation in
the ways of justice, peace, freedom and reconciliation."
"I come to Cuba as a
pilgrim of charity, - said Benedict XVI - to confirm my brothers and sisters in
the faith and strengthen them in the hope which is born of the presence of
God's love in our lives. I carry in my heart the just aspirations and
legitimate desires of all Cubans, wherever they may be, their sufferings and
their joys, their concerns and their noblest desires, those of the young and
the elderly, of adolescents and children, of the sick and workers, of prisoners
and their families, and of the poor and those in need".
"Many parts of the
world today - he added - are experiencing a time of particular economic
difficulty, that not a few people regard as part of a profound spiritual and
moral crisis which has left humanity devoid of values and defenceless before
the ambition and selfishness of certain powers which take little account of the
true good of individuals and families. We can no longer continue in the same
cultural and moral direction which has caused the painful situation that many
suffer. On the other hand, real progress calls for an ethics which focuses on
the human person and takes account of the most profound human needs, especially
man's spiritual and religious dimension. In the hearts and minds of many, the
way is thus opening to an ever greater certainty that the rebirth of society
demands upright men and women of firm moral convictions, with noble and strong
values who will not be manipulated by dubious interests and who are respectful
of the unchanging and transcendent nature of the human person".
"I am convinced that
Cuba, at this moment of particular importance in its history, is already
looking to the future, and thus is striving to renew and broaden its horizons. Of
great help in this enterprise will be the fine patrimony of spiritual and moral
values which fashioned the nation's true identity, and which stand out in the
work and the life of many distinguished fathers of the country, like Blessed
José Olallo y Valdés, the Servant of God Félix Varela, and the acclaimed José
Martí. For her part, the Church too has diligently contributed to the
cultivation of those values through her generous and selfless pastoral mission,
and renews her commitment to work tirelessly the better to serve all Cubans".
