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September 18, 2015

Support rises for end to Cuba embargo

Cubans walk under a Pope Francis billboard in Havana, Sept. 14, 2015.

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Pope Francis’ visit to Cuba and the United States comes as people and politicians in both countries increasingly support ending an economic embargo that has been in place for more than five decades.

Published in International
April 22, 2015

Pope to visit Cuba first before heading to United States in September

People walk on street in Havana People walk on a street in Havana April 10. Pope Francis has considered the possibility of visiting Cuba in September, before or after his trip to the United States, but discussions with Cuban authorities are so preliminary that the idea cannot be consid ered more than a hypothesis, the Vatican said.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis will visit Cuba in September before his trip to the United States.

Published in International
April 13, 2015

Obama and Castro take next steps to normalize U.S.-Cuba ties

Cuba's President Raul Castro shakes hands with U.S. President Barack Obama as they hold a bilateral meeting during the seventh Summit of the Americas in Panama City April 11. Obama and Castro, who shook hands at the summit, seek to restore ties between the Cold War foes.

PANAMA CITY - An hourlong meeting April 11 between U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro marked the first such personal encounter between the leaders of the two neighbouring countries since 1958.

Published in International
January 22, 2015

State of the Union speech hits on numerous social justice themes

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, look on as President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address in front of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington Jan. 20. During his address, Obama mentioned his s hift in policy toward Cuba, quoting Pope Francis, who said diplomacy is the work of "small steps."

WASHINGTON - In his Jan. 20 State of the Union address, President Barack Obama hit on numerous themes that resonated with Catholic advocates for social justice issues.

Published in International
January 2, 2015

Move forward in Cuba

A nun waves a Vatican flag while attending Mass with Pope John Paul II in Havana Jan. 25, 1998. During his five-day visit to Cuba, the pope called for a spiritual renewal among the Cuban people.

Following half a century of hostility, and guided by the intervention of Pope Francis, the United States and Cuba have agreed to try to become good neighbours. The detente announced between the two nations on Dec. 17 is welcomed news to end a year that witnessed too much hatred.

Published in Editorial
December 18, 2014

U.S. Church leaders pleased that U.S.-Cuba will rebuild relations

A car drives past the building of the the U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba, the U.S. Interests Section, in Havana, in this 2013 file photo. U.S. President Barack Obama announced a shift in policy toward Cuba Dec. 17.

WASHINGTON - American Church officials expressed optimism about plans by the United States and Cuba to normalize diplomatic relations and work toward reshaping how the two neighbouring countries interact with each other.

Published in International