Castro to meet bishops

THE CUBAN Catholic population and clergy has received a "hopeful sign" in the announcement of a formal dialogue between President Fidel Castro and the Catholic bishops of Cuba.
Last week, on the holiday commemorating the national patron saint, Our Lady of Charity, President Castro received a Cuban episcopal conference delegation in the first official meeting of the rapprochement.
At the meeting a "general agenda and methodology" to be followed during the dialogue was approved, according to a reliable source. Archbishop Jaime Orlega Alamino of Havana and Archbishop Pedro Maurice Estiu of Santiago were both present but the Vatican's representative in Cuba, Mgr Enaudi did not participate.
The explanation given was that the talks were part of an internal dialogue between the Government and Cuban Church to discuss problems of mutual interest.
But Mgr Enaudi said that he was satisfied with progress so far. He said that discussions were going on as to an "appropriate date" for a papal visit to Cuba.
Next year, when the Pope visits South America, Cuba will celebrate the third congress of the Cuban Communist party which will impede a visit to the island, said Mgr Enaudi.
The dialogue between Castro and the Church will increase the possibility of a papal visit, according to ecclesiastical circles.
The main points expected to be discussed during the talks are the Church's demand for greater access to the media, greater flexibility in the granting of visa for religious personnel, the adoption of energetic measures against all types of discrimination, based on belief and renovations of Churches and temples.
Relations between the Church and the state have been improving slowly since the conference in Medellin, Colombia in 1968, when the Church reaffirmed its option for the poor. This year an office of religious affairs was created within the central committee of the Cuban Communist party.
President Castro himself recognised the efficiency of the Church's community service last year, which, since then, has received increased state support including new vehicles and more economic and technical aid from the public health ministry.
The Cuban leader received a United States episcopal conference delegation last February, along with a group of Cuban bishops. It was during this meeting that he agreed with the Havana archbishop to begin direct dialogue with the Cuban bishops.