The once atheist communist government of Cuba has now taken a high interest in Religion. A Christmas message was read on National television by the Roman Catholic of Cuba - now second year running. The message that Cardinal Jaime Ortega conveyed in a past show was full of gratitude, as Cuban Americans were finally able to reunite with their families. This was due to President Barack Obama removing the restrictions that originally prohibited any connection with Cuba and America.

The complete message was aired on Cuba’s government controlled television. A spokesperson for Havana’s Conference of Bishops, Orlando Marquez confirmed that the authorities had planned to show a Christmas concert that took place at the National Cathedral.

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.

After Jaime Ortega’s broadcast, there have been some growing signs of some improvement between the relationship of the government and the church.

In November 2008, thousands of faith believers gathered for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey. Amazingly, President Raul Castro also took part in this.

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.

Since the power of presidency to Fidel Castro in 1959, religion was not totally ruled out however priests were expelled and religious establishments were closed down. In the early 1990’s, the tension reduced and the government removed any reference to atheism from its organization and allowed believers of all faiths to join the Communist Party. The situation improved later in the year when they had a visit from Pope John Paul II.

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