In January 1998, John Paul II managed to go to Cuba ruled by Fidel Castro. A visit unimaginable two years earlier, in a country closed in its political and ideological isolation with a Marxist-Leninist matrix, covered by the American embargo … Fidel Castro brought back the celebration of Christmas and missionaries began to return to the island. So, the climate has changed to some extent. The conditions for a papal visit were created. The Holy Father celebrated Mass in Havana, at Revolution Square José Marti, in the presence of Fidel Castro. On this occasion, John Paul II said that Cuba should open up to the world, but also the world should open up to Cuba. I would like to recall his words, as everyone considered them extremely significant: “Cuba has a Christian soul that has shaped her universal vocation. Cuba is called to break out of isolation, must open up to the world, and the world must open up to Cuba, to her people, to her children, who are undoubtedly her greatest treasure”. The first reaction to these words was shouting repeatedly by a huge crowd, at least a million people: Libertad! Libertad! – “Freedom! Freedom!”
With the consent of Fr. Card. Stanisław Dziwisz – “At the side of the Saint”
Publishing House of St. Stanisław BM. Krakow 2013
