The once atheist communist government of Cuba has now taken a high interest in Religion. A Christmas message was read on National television by the Roman Catholic of Cuba - now second year running. The message that Cardinal Jaime Ortega conveyed in a past show was full of gratitude, as Cuban Americans were finally able to reunite with their families. This was due to President Barack Obama removing the restrictions that originally prohibited any connection with Cuba and America.
Orlando Marquez, a spokesman for Havana's Conference of Bishops confirmed that the authorities had intended to show a Christmas concert which had been performed at the National Cathedral. The entire message was broadcasted on the government controlled television in Cuba.
A retired mother Elisa Ramos was over the moon, she had not seen her son in 12 years and this would be the first time - she had mentioned that this was the best thing that happened to them.
Since the broadcast of Ortega, a small but growing list of signs has revealed that the governments association with the church seems to be improving.
A year ago, President Raul Castro surprisingly united with many believers of faith for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey.
Castro's brother Raul took over as president earlier in 2008. His first political meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. This took place whilst Tarcisio Bertone was marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit in Cuba.
Religion in Cuba was affected in 1959, this was after Fidel Castro was designated as President of the Country. The government closed down religious institutions and expelled priests. However, changes were made in 1990 - all reference to "no religion" had been removed and people with different faiths were allowed to unite with the Communist Party. Later in the year, the condition changed when a visit from Pope John Paul II was made to Cuba. - 31515
Orlando Marquez, a spokesman for Havana's Conference of Bishops confirmed that the authorities had intended to show a Christmas concert which had been performed at the National Cathedral. The entire message was broadcasted on the government controlled television in Cuba.
A retired mother Elisa Ramos was over the moon, she had not seen her son in 12 years and this would be the first time - she had mentioned that this was the best thing that happened to them.
Since the broadcast of Ortega, a small but growing list of signs has revealed that the governments association with the church seems to be improving.
A year ago, President Raul Castro surprisingly united with many believers of faith for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey.
Castro's brother Raul took over as president earlier in 2008. His first political meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. This took place whilst Tarcisio Bertone was marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit in Cuba.
Religion in Cuba was affected in 1959, this was after Fidel Castro was designated as President of the Country. The government closed down religious institutions and expelled priests. However, changes were made in 1990 - all reference to "no religion" had been removed and people with different faiths were allowed to unite with the Communist Party. Later in the year, the condition changed when a visit from Pope John Paul II was made to Cuba. - 31515
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