Cardinal Parolin: Pope played 'significant role' in US/Cuba agreement

Cardinal Parolin

This morning Pope Francis spoke about his joy over the thawing of relations between the United States and Cuba, saying this was a result of diplomacy. Speaking off-the-cuff with a group of non-resident Ambassadors to the Holy See the Holy Father said the work of an Ambassador is to take small steps aimed at building peace, bringing the hearts of people closer together and sowing brotherhood between peoples and nations.

Later, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said Pope Francis had played a very significant role in facilitating the rapprochement between the US.and Cuba. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vatican Radio, Cardinal Parolin spoke of the Holy See’s satisfaction over the agreement and praised the leaders of the two nations for their courageous decision.
From the beginning of his pontificate Pope Francis has stressed the importance of people meeting and talking with each other. "What we have called the culture of encounter" he said.

Caridnal Parolin said the Holy See tried to facilitate dialogue between the two parties - to build bridges. Both presidents, he said had shown real courage and strength in their decision. He concluded: "I think that we have really, finally, at the end, to thank God who inspired such good sentiments and intentions of the two leaders." He said he hoped their example would be taken by many other leaders in the region and in the world, to try to overcome differences and conflict through negotiation and through dialogue.

Source: VIS/Vatican Radio