Cable News Network Dec. 21, 1998
AP,
21-DEC-98
(Undated-AP)-- Many Cubans called it a miracle: Pope John Paul on Cuban soil. The pontiff's historic first visit to Havana in January brought hope to the masses.
In the words of one woman who glimpsed John Paul during his visit, "the Cuban people today feel the happiest of anyone in the world."
John Paul addressed human rights and abortion, and he urged the U-S and Cuba to bridge their differences. He said, "Cuba needs to open herself to the world and the world needs to draw closer to Cuba."
At the same time, he carefully chose his words to balance criticism of Cuba's communist system with the need to protect and strengthen the Cuban church. He warned against blindly embracing the market forces of global capitalism, while at the same time he appealed for respect for freedom.
While the pontiff's visit led to more religious freedom, Cuba's Fidel Castro continued to keep a tight rein on political opposition.
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