"Over the last ten years, the Pope’s visit has had its weight, not least on improving the relations between the Church and the State in Cuba admits Roa Kourì -. Now, dialogue with the Bishops Conference is smooth and important. Their relations are very respectful. Over the last ten years, much progress has been made, compared to ten years ago". However, the Cuban Church complains of poor access to the local mass media: "I understand the Church is not happy with its space yet he answers -. These issues are being discussed between the Cuban authorities and the Church and are part of dialogue. But there are more opportunities now than before. Nowadays, in Cuba, even if the space of the Church in the official press is not too big, there are more than 70 diocesan titles". Other issues under discussion include the extension of the number of priests: "Dialogue is in progress in this sphere as well. There are over 80 religious congregations in Cuba, now. Benedictines and Augustinians too, recently. In this respect, dialogue did deliver results". The Ambassador recalls that the invitation to card. Bertone was jointly made by the Cuban Church and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that it will be a "pastoral and official" visit. "I cannot confirm whether he will meet Raoul Castro he says , because I do not have the final schedule yet. He will certainly be received by the highest levels anyway". Fidel Castro, instead, "will be kept informed about everything". (pca)
