Holy See
condemns U.S. blockade
of Cuba
VATICAN CITY.—The Holy See has
condemned the U.S. blockade of Cuba, in a statement
given March 16, prior to Pope Benedict XVI’s visit
to the country.
In a press conference, Vatican
spokesman Federico Lombardi noted, "It is the people
who are suffering the consequences of the U.S.
position," in reference to the economic, commercial
and financial blockade dating back more than 50
years.
"The Holy See does not believe that
it is a positive or useful measure," he added, in
response to a question during an informative session
on the visit the Pope is to make to Mexico and Cuba,
starting March 23.
"He is very well and his disposition
to undertake such an exhausting tour confirms that,"
he added.
This is the Pope’s second visit to
Latin America, after he traveled to Brazil in 2007.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry has
opened a website providing information on his visit.
In addition to the official program
for Pope Benedict XVI’s tour, the new site:
benedictocuba.cubaminrex.cu has information on
current events in ecclesiastical life and
statistical data on the Catholic Church and other
religions in Cuba (SE)
