Communism no longer works in Cuba, the Pope said yesterday en route to Mexico and the Caribbean island, and the Church was ready to help the regime there find new ways of moving forward without “trauma”.
Speaking on his plane flying to the two Latin American states, the Pope told reporters: “Today it is evident that Marxist ideology in the way it was conceived no longer corresponds to reality.”
Responding to a question about his visit to the island, Pope Benedict added: “In this way we can no longer respond and build a society. New models must be found with patience and in a constructive way.”
He offered the Church’s help in achieving a peaceful transition on the island, saying the process required patience and “much decisiveness”.
“We want to help in a spirit of dialogue to avoid traumas and to help move forward a society which is fraternal and just.” The word “trauma” refers to what may happen in Cuba, after the death of retired leader Fidel Castro (85), who handed over power to his brother Raul in 2008. – (Reuters)