Washington D.C., Sep 11, 2008 / 15:05 pm
Cardinal Francis George, speaking as President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has asked the U.S. government to lift its ban on remittances and travel to Cuba in a Wednesday letter to President George W. Bush.
“In light of the devastation and humanitarian disaster caused by recent hurricanes in Cuba and the efforts of extended families, friends and organizations to reach those in need, I urge you to suspend – even temporarily - Treasury and Commerce Department restrictions and licensing requirements for humanitarian travel and remittances by American citizens and assistance by not-for-profit organizations,” Cardinal George wrote.
“At times of crisis, there are simple and basic acts of charity on which people rely,” he continued.
Saying the United States can be “rightly proud” of its tradition of humanitarian assistance, the cardinal urged that everything be done to facilitate relief efforts, whether through private donations or organizations like Catholic Relief Services.