POPE SEEKS GREATER FREEDOM FOR CHURCH IN CUBA, END TO

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 VATICAN 000131 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINR ETRD CU VT SUBJECT: POPE SEEKS GREATER FREEDOM FOR CHURCH IN CUBA, END TO EMBARGO VATICAN 00000131 001.3 OF 002 ¶1. (SBU) Making a strong appeal for greater religious freedom in Cuba, Pope Benedict XVI vigorously defended the role of the Catholic Church in Cuba during the December 10 presentation of credentials by the country's new Ambassador to the Holy See, Eduardo Delgado Bermudez. While the Pope expressed gratitude for increased cooperation between the Catholic Church and the GOC, he articulated the Holy See's desire for an eventual formal agreement allowing the Church complete freedom to operate "following forms similar to those established with other States." Holy See officials have told Embassy Vatican previously that it is important for the Holy See to reemphasize its position on Cuba every so often, particularly its desire for greater religious freedom, but without expecting any real short-term gains. ¶2. (U) Turning to Cuban-U.S. relations, Pope Benedict told Eduardo Delgado Bermudez that "certain signs of openness in [Cuba's] relations with the neighbouring United States presage new opportunities for a mutually beneficial rapprochement." Quoting his predecessor, John Paul II, the Pope urged Cuba to open up to the world and the world to open up to Cuba. Keeping to the Holy See's long-standing policy, the Pontiff criticized the U.S. embargo on Cuba saying it had its biggest negative impact on the poor. (Note: Official remarks at Holy See credential ceremonies are exchanged but not read aloud at the time. End note) ¶3. (SBU) In remarks eerily similar to his predecessor's four years earlier, Ambassador Delgado lauded Fidel Castro's untiring work to make the world a better place, and expressed Cuba's appreciation for the Catholic Church's work on the island, particularly its charitable and humanitarian efforts. The new ambassador said the U.S. embargo "constituted an act of genocide" because it caused hunger, sickness and poverty for the "heroic and generous" Cuban people. Delgado effusively praised Pope Benedict's recent encyclical letter on social issues, "Caritas in Veritate," implying that the Church and the revolution promoted the same agenda. Delgado compared the 58,000 Cubans working abroad in "aid and VATICAN 00000131 002.3 OF 002 development projects" to Catholic missionaries "offering assistance in the remotest areas of the world." ¶4. (SBU) Comment. Comparing an atheist, revolution-exporting, human rights-violating regime's mercenaries to Catholic missionaries is a bit of a stretch, in our view. But the Ambassador's comments drawing parallels between "Caritas in Veritate" and Cuban revolutionary goals may have been a subtle cry for help to Church organizations like Caritas to provide assistance to the poor in Cuba, as Cuban social services are failing. End comment. ¶5. (U) Biographical information: Ambassador Eduardo Delgado Bermudez previously served as Director General of the Cuban Foreign Ministry. He holds a degree in history, served as an officer in the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and was Cuba's ambassador to Japan. He has lectured in history and international affairs, was an advisor on political and economic issues for Cuba's aid and development outreach to Asia, Oceania and Africa, and served as section chief at the Ministry of Foreign Trade. He was born February 20, 1943 and is married with one daughter. DIAZ