Progress For Religion in Cuba

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It seems like Cuba's once atheist communist government has now taken a close interest to religion, for the second year in a row, Cuba's Roman Catholic chief has read a Christmas message on national television. In a past broadcast, Cardinal Jaime Ortega showed his appreciation towards the lift of the ban governed by President Barack Obama allowing the Cubans living in America to be able to travel or send money to the Islands families.

Orlando Marquez, a spokesman for Havana's Conference of Bishops confirmed that the authorities had intended to show a Christmas concert which had been performed at the National Cathedral. The entire message was broadcasted on the government controlled television in Cuba.

The best thing happened to a retired 67 year old mother Elisa Ramos. She was totally ecstatic as this was the first time in 12 years she was going to see her son again.

Since the broadcast of Ortega, a small but growing list of signs has revealed that the governments association with the church seems to be improving.

A year ago, President Raul Castro surprisingly united with many believers of faith for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey.

Raul Castro replaced his brothers' Fidel Castro's position as president in 2008. His first general meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone during his trip to Cuba marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit.

In 1959, the government closed down religious institutions and expelled priests, this affect took place after Fidel Castro took over power in Cuba. After years of leading an atheist country, transformations happened in the early 1990's. All reference of atheism was erased from the government's constitution and people of all faiths were allowed to join the Communist Party. The situation improved when a visit from Pope John Paul II was made to Cuba.