Havana, Cuba, Mar 27, 2012 / 08:53 pm (CNA).- During a press conference held in the (Hotel Nacional) National Hotel of Havana, Fr. Federico Lombardi, Director of Holy See's Press Office, pointed out the situation of Cuban dissidents, especially those in prison, was discussed by Pope Benedict XVI in his meeting with Raúl Castro.
"The outline of requests, which were humanitarian in nature and which were received by the Holy See (from Cuban dissidents), was discussed (during the meeting). But, I have no details about it brought up," said Fr. Lombardi.
"I confirm that the topic was discussed during the personal encounter (with Raúl Castro), but I don't have information on the specifics," responded the Vatican's spokesman. He was responding to a question about whether the Holy See had presented a list of prisoner dissidents, and specifically if the list contained the name of the American, Alan Ross.
Ross, an American who tried to help the Jewish community on the island giving them independent means of technology to access the internet, is in prison having been condemned of spying.
Fr. Lombardi also recalled that the Holy See's delegation had interceded for the dissident who yelled "freedom" during the Mass presided by the Pontiff in Santiago, Cuba on Monday. But, he said that could not offer any further details on the subject. "Our interest for the person and for his status exists," he added.
The clamor of dissidents, explained the Vatican's spokesman, "is certainly present in the Holy Father's heart." He explained that it was impossible to concretize a meeting with dissidents, such as the "Damas en Blanco" (Women in White) because of the time constraints of the trip.
"Let's remember that the Pope on this trip hasn't even met with specifically Catholic groups: there hasn't been a meeting with seminarians, with priests, with religious, or with committed lay people. Another group, whether it is inside or outside of the Church, simply couldn't be fit in the visit."
However, Fr. Lombardi highlighted that "when the Pope speaks, he has present the suffering of these people. It's no coincidence that the Pope speaks of the expectations of all Cubans, in their varied and specific circumstances. If you listen to the discourses, you will see for yourselves how the Pope receives the messages he's received (from dissidents), and how he responds to these perspectives.
Courtesy: CNA Oringinal Post
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