V.I.S. - Sunday 27 October 1996
VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 1996 (VIS) - Made public today was a declaration by Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States, upon his arrival in Cuba on October 25, in which he says: "In the capacity of collaborator of the Holy Father in the service of the Holy See, I come to this country to encourage the Church in Cuba to continue along its path."
"It is a Church," he continues, "full of vitality and courage, that is not afraid to affirm its identity and, consequently, is an even more important element in national public dialogue. My visit will then serve to consider along with the Cuban authorities how to improve relations with the local Church."
Archbishop Tauran notes that "Cuba has had diplomatic relations - never interrupted - with the Holy See for over 60 years. My wish is that my visit might be a new milestone in this old relation of friendship."
After expressing gratitude for the invitation of the Cuban authorities and the Cuban bishops for him to visit the country, he adds: "It is a great honor for me to bring to all Cubans the affectionate greeting and blessing of the Holy Father, ... who has felt much sorrow for the dramatic effects of Hurricane Lili. He has asked me to deliver to the Cuban Episcopal Conference a financial contribution as a sign of the closeness and affection of the Pope for all Cubans."