Progress For Religion In Cuba
It seems like Cuba's once atheist communist government has now taken a close interest to religion, for the second year in a row, Cuba's Roman Catholic chief has read a Christmas message on national television. In a past broadcast, Cardinal Jaime Ortega showed his appreciation towards the lift of the ban governed by President Barack Obama allowing the Cubans living in America to be able to travel or send money to the Islands families.
A Christmas concert that had taken place at the National Cathedral was proposed to be shown - a representative Orlando Marquez, Havana's Conference of Bishops confirmed this on behalf of the authorities. The entire communication was aired on the government controlled television in Cuba.
A 67 year old retired mother Elisa Ramos, stated; for the first time in 12 years her son will spend Christmas in Cuba. It's the greatest thing that has happened to them.
After Jaime Ortega's broadcast, there have been some growing signs of some improvement between the relationship of the government and the church.
A year ago, President Raul Castro surprisingly united with many believers of faith for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey.
Raul Castro replaced his brothers' Fidel Castro's position as president in 2008. His first general meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone during his trip to Cuba marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit.
In 1959, the government closed down religious institutions and expelled priests, this affect took place after Fidel Castro took over power in Cuba. After years of leading an atheist country, transformations happened in the early 1990's. All reference of atheism was erased from the government's constitution and people of all faiths were allowed to join the Communist Party. The situation improved when a visit from Pope John Paul II was made to Cuba.
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