CUBA: Santiago's Archbishop Dionisio Garcia addresses issues of political prisoners and a jailed U.S. contractor as hundreds of exiles begin arriving from Miami for historic papal visit

Record ID: 230922

  • Title: CUBA: Santiago's Archbishop Dionisio Garcia addresses issues of political prisoners and a jailed U.S. contractor as hundreds of exiles begin arriving from Miami for historic papal visit
  • Date: 25th March 2012
  • Summary: HAVANA, CUBA (MARCH 24, 2012) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF EXTERIOR OF AIRPORT, PEOPLE WAITING FOR ARRIVALS NOTICE BOARD INSIDE AIRPORT LISTING ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES VARIOUS OF PASSENGERS EXITING BUILDING (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) UNIDENTIFIED CUBAN EXILE LIVING IN MIAMI, ARRIVING TO HAVANA, SAYING: "I am very happy with this situation that those who are over there (in Miami) can unite with those here for the visit (of the Pope)." PASSENGERS ARRIVING (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) CUBAN EXILE LIVING IN MIAMI, FERNANDO NUNEZ, ARRIVING TO HAVANA, SAYING: "It is good that he (the Pope) comes here so that Cubans see the religious side here and that he (the Pope) can meet them (referring to Cubans)." PASSENGERS ARRIVING, GREETING FAMILY MEMBERS
  • Embargoed: 9th April 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Cuba, Cuba
  • Country: Cuba
  • Topics: Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVADTL6NTJV7BZWB5D4B19KB87EV
  • Story Text: With Pope Benedict's visit to Cuba just days away, the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba remained noncommittal on Saturday (March 24) about the pontiff's stance on several of Cuba's most controversial issues.
    Santiago will be the first stop on the papal tour. During a news briefing, Archbishop Dionisio Garcia answered questions from journalists ranging from basic logistics to hot topics such as political prisoners and the situation of a U.S. contractor currently serving time in prison in Cuba.
    Garcia told reporters the issue of political prisoners had always been on the forefront for the Church.
    "The topic of political prisoners has always been present," Garcia said. "That has always been present for the Church. Not only the liberation of prisoners but also the fulfillment of a series of norms that exist and should reviewed so that the prisoners' situation can be improved."
    However, when asked about U.S. contractor Alan Gross who is serving jail time in a Cuban prison, Archbishop Garcia said he was not sure if the pontiff would address the case during his visit.
    "I cannot tell you if the Pope will touch upon that topic (referring to jailed U.S. contractor Alan Gross). I cannot tell you that, it would be inappropriate for me to say yes," he said.
    Garcia couldn't give a clear answer on whether the pontiff would meet with members of the dissident group, Ladies in White.
    "Whether or not the Holy Father meets with them (referring to the Ladies in White) does not mean that the Holy Father is ignorant of their petition. In other words, I believe that there is a strong desire and a willingness but time limits many possibilities."
    As Pope Benedict started his visit to Mexico, hundreds of Cuban exiles began arriving to Cuba from Miami to attend Mass and honour the island's patron saint, the Virgin of Charity del Cobre.
    In stark contrast to the visit of Pope John Paul's visit in 1998 when thousands of exiles in Miami protested his presence in Cuba, many support this papal mission.
    Some Cuban exiles began arriving to Havana as early as Saturday. One woman said she was happy that the papal visit was uniting Cubans.
    "I am very happy with this situation that those who are over there (in Miami) can unite with those here for the visit (of the Pope)," the woman, who would not give her name, told Reuters Television.
    Fernando Nunez, a Cuban exile who lives in Miami, Florida, said it would be a perfect opportunity for the Pope to meet all Cubans.
    "It is good that he (the Pope) comes here so that Cubans see the religious side here and that he (the Pope) can meet them (referring to Cubans)," Nunez said.
    Pope Benedict will arrive in Cuba on Monday for a three-day visit including large Masses in the cities of Santiago and Havana. He will also be received by President Raul Castro.
    It is still unknown whether the pontiff will meet with former leader Fidel, who ruled Cuba for 49 years before age and infirmity forced him to step down. The Vatican has said the people will be "available" if the elder, ailing Castro wants to meet him.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2015. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register