Letter Sent to Raul Castro from Benedict XVI

HAVANA TIMES, May 4 — Granma newspaper reported today on a letter from Pope Benedict XVI that was sent to Raul Castro on April 27 expressing the Pope’s appreciation for the welcome he received on the island during his apostolic visit in March.

In the letter, the Catholic leader recalled his meeting with the Cubans where he sought “to confirm their faith and encourage everyone to feel like indispensable actors in building a peaceful, bright and hopeful future.”

The Pope also gave a “special Apostolic blessing as a guarantee of abundant divine favors,” while at the same time putting “the just aspirations of all Cubans under the gentle gaze of the Virgen of Charity.”

During his stay on the island, the Holy Father held two public Masses and had discussions with both President Raul Castro and his brother Fidel, as well as with religious authorities from the island.