Mgr. Perez admits that “Fidel is a man who has had remarkable historical importance, who has concentrated all the powers and all the symbols in his hands. From now on, something will change, but it is difficult to predict how". Asked whether the Cubans, despite their low living standards, are afraid of the potential risks of consumerism and liberalism entering the country, he answers: “Yes, but we should look at this from a different perspective; for the moment, this does not seem likely to happen. Everything will go on slowly and normally. I don’t think there will be any sudden change towards a wild consumerism”. The population seems to be living this transition in silent whispers, in a mixture of fears and hopes. The future for some of them looks full of unknown quantities, for others major changes are looming ahead. In the meantime, preparations are in full swing in the Cuban Church, for the arrival, this evening, of card. Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State of the Holy See, who will stay in Cuba until 26th February to celebrate the 10th anniversary of John Paul II’s epoch-making visit (15-28 January 1998).
