The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, concluded his official and pastoral visit to Cuba, with examples of gratitude to government authorities and Cuban hospitality.In a statement read Tuesday night in front of national and foreign reporters at the Havana"s Jose Marti International Airport, the envoy of Pope Benedict XVI expressed special thanks to Cuban President Raul Castro, with whom he met yesterday.
Bertone, who was bid farewell by Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque and other authorities, appreciated the courtesy of the new Cuban head of State, who, he said, "kindly listened to the envoy of Holy Father Benedict XVI."
He wished success to the statesman "on this mission to serve his country" and confirmed the Holy See"s commitment "to bring the world closer to Cuba and share convergences on international issues."
"They talked about the Church, Cuba and the Cubans in the current moment, particularly the challenges of the world of youth, the priest said.
Bertone also expressed "deep gratitude" to those who made possible these wonderful pastoral days in this island in the context of the 10th anniversary of the historic visit to Cuba of late Pope John Paul II.
The Vatican cardinal made special mentions for Havana Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Ortega, as well as bishops from the dioceses he visited in Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and Baracoa.
"I want to see these days as a new impetus in the relations between the Church and Cuban authorities," Bertone said.
The also Chamberlain of the Catholic Church arrived in Cuba February 20, invited by the government and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the country.
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