For the first time in 53 years, Cubans will be permitted to celebrate Good Friday, thanks to the intervention of Pope Benedict XVI who asked Cuban president Raul Castro during his recent visit to make it a public holiday.
Tag Archives: Raul Castro
Pope Uses Cuba Trip to Press for Freedom
In between the massive public events that marked his trip to Cuba this week, Pope Benedict XVI skillfully used the visit to intercede for the faithful in a variety of ways, from asking Cuban President Raul Castro to reinstate Good Friday as a holiday to pleading for the release of political prisoners.
Pope to Cubans: “I am a Pilgrim of Charity”
Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Santiago, Cuba yesterday and declared himself to be a “pilgrim of charity” while expressing his hope that the communist island nation would move toward greater openness, freedom and religious devotion.
Pope Asks for Prayer for Mexico/Cuba Trip
While addressing pilgrims yesterday from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI asked for prayers for his six day trip to Mexico and Cuba, which will begin on Friday of this week.
