.- The AFP news agency reported this week that Church officials in Cuba have not ruled out a possible meeting between Cuban president Raul Castro and the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, who is currently visiting Cuba.
Archbishop Mamberti arrived in Cuba to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Cuban and the Holy See and to participate in the Catholic Social Week. He is also expected to discuss the current situation facing the Church as well as the pastoral needs of the country's bishops.
Regarding the actions of the Church in Cuba, Bishop Jorge Serpa of Pinar del Rio said everything “is on the table for discussion. (Archbishop Mamberti will meet with government officials and express his point of view. Even though it may not seem so, whenever there is dialogue, progress is made and things can get aired out).”
Speaking about the transfer of 12 prisoners to facilities near their hometowns and the release of Ariel Sigler, Bishop Serpa said, “We look upon this entire process with hope, as a positive step, although we are cautious. We want to achieve the results that everyone wants and as soon as possible. We are working for this happen.”
