An encouragement "to extend even more if possible the pastoral work" and "keep strengthening the spirit of communion among all you bishops, as members of the sacred college, and with the Pope": this was said by card. Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, as he met the Cuban bishops in Havana today, during his visit for the X anniversary of John Paul II’s journey in Cuba. According to the cardinal, this anniversary "will also be a time of abundant grace and a special opportunity to boost an intensive pastoral work, that on one side will strengthen the spiritual fruits that have been harvested over these years, and on the other side will produce a deep renewal of Christian life in all those people of God who walk over this beautiful land". According to card. Bertone, "a serious, regular and widespread pastoral work" must be revived. "I cherish the hope that the celebration of the anniversary of John Paul II’s visit in this blessed land concluded the secretary of state will help give new impulse to the relations between the State and the Catholic Church in Cuba, so that, in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding, the Church will be able to fully accomplish its mission, which is strictly pastoral and at the service of the congregation, with the required freedom".
