BOB ABERNETHY: Here in the U.S., the coming papal visit is creating further rifts in the already divided Cuban-American community. In mid-December, the archdiocese in Miami canceled plans to take a cruise ship of pilgrims to Havana. Anti-Castro activists had claimed the Communists would exploit the pilgrimage for political ends. But, as Kathy Barber reports from Miami, the controversy continues.
KATHY BARBER: Ten years ago, beneath this cross, Pope John Paul celebrated an open-air mass in Miami, which was disrupted by an electrical storm. Now, the pope's trip to Cuba is creating a political storm about whether, and by what means, Miami Catholics ought to go to Cuba.Bishop Tom Wenski was in charge of making arrangements for the cruise ship to take the faithful to Havana.
Bishop TOM WENSKI: I'm sure many people are disappointed that the ship was canceled, and the archbishop made a decision that he had to make in order to preserve peace in this community. However, he is firm and is resolved to go to Cuba and to lead pilgrims to Cuba.BARBER: For many Miami Cuban exiles, the rift between faith and political ideology runs so deep, it may be irreconcilable.
ELAINE AFRERRI: I could not believe it. I thought it was a missed opportunity. Can you imagine how powerful that is to turn around, a Cuban Catholic from the island, and stretch your hand out in peace? That's unbelievably powerful. I tell you, and I don't say this to a lot of people, it's one of the few times in my life when I've been ashamed to be a Cuban Catholic.
