CHURCH AND STATE
January 23, 1998

During the first few days of his Cuba visit, Pope John Paul II has criticized the government policies of both the U.S. and Fidel Castro's regime. But what does the visit mean to the people of the last communist country in the Western Hemisphere? After this background report, four experts debate the past, present and future of Cuba.

 

Online Specials Cuba and the United States The Elian Gonzalez Case March 2001 Former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara on the Cuban missile crisis April 20, 2000 Examining the legal issues of Elian Gonzalez case April 6, 2000 The turns in the Elian Gonzalez case since Elian's father's arrival in the U.S. Jan. 5, 1999 Secretary of State Albright discusses Cuba Feb. 9, 1998 The impact of the Papal visit on the Cuban populace Jan. 23, 1998 Discussion on Pope John Paul II visiting Cuba Nov. 24, 1997 Legacy of a Cuban-American exile leader Nov. 20, 1997 The legacy of Che Guevara July 19, 1996 A look at Cuba and the Helms-Burton Act Feb. 26,1996 Congress' reaction to the downing of two civilian aircraft by Cuban fighters Browse the NewsHour's complete coverage of Latin America.   News for Students: American relations with Cuba. The Elian Gonzalez case.     Cuban government site State Department	PHIL PONCE: Pope John Paul II met last night with Fidel Castro at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana. There was no official world of what they talked about in private, but as the two aging leaders entered the palace, reporters overheard them discussing their age and ailments. After their hour-long meeting the two leaders exchanged gifts. The Pope gave Castro a mosaic portrait of Christ and Castro, gave John Paul a rare biography of a 19th century priest, Felix Varela, considered one of the founders of Cuban nationalism. Earlier yesterday, at his first Mass, in the city of Santa Clara, the Pope gave a strong message on the need to preserve the family and criticized Cuba's widespread practice of legalized abortion. Although Cuba's abortion rate has dropped in recent years, it still averages about 60 for every 100 live births, one of the highest in the world. There was applause when the Pope called on the government to end its monopoly on education. Castro closed Catholic schools in the earl 60's and created state-run boarding schools for adolescents throughout the island. John Paul asked the government to allow parochial schools to reopen and declared the government does not have "the right to replace parents." This morning, the aging Pontiff seemed to be in high spirits as he left the Vatican embassy in Havana. Behind the scenes, Vatican officials are working to persuade Castro's government to free prisoners who have asked the Pope to intercede on their behalf. JOAQUIN NAVARRO-VALLS, Spokesman: The Cuban authorities promised to think seriously on this matter. PHIL PONCE: John Paul took his papal mission 300 miles to the Eastern city of Camaguey, where he delivered a message directed to Cuba's youth. He acknowledged the prolonged economic crisis Cuba has suffered and said: "What can I say to you, young people of Cuba who live under material conditions which are sometimes difficult, who are sometimes frustrated in your legitimate aspirations and are even deprived of hope itself?" He urged them to resist the lure of sex, drugs, and money saying "return to your Cuban and Christian roots, and do all you can to build a future of ever greater dignity and freedom." His homily was interrupted frequently by cheering and singing. The Pope also issued his first remarks since arriving about the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba. In a written statement handed to young Catholics at the Mass he repeated the Church's position that embargos are deplorable because they hurt the most needy. But he added that the embargo should not be used as an excuse for all of Cuba's troubles.