On
December the 17th the relationship between the United States
of America and Cuba entered a new era. An exchange of prisoners
permitted the resumption of diplomatic relations between the
countries. These relations had been interrupted since 1961, the year
in which the Soviet missile crisis began. The resumption of
diplomatic relations was announced by Barack Obama and Raul Castro
through speeches which took place at the same time. These leaders had
a telephone conversation which lasted forty-five minutes. It was the
first significant conversation between the presidents of the
countries from the years of the big crisis. The agreement was reached
after a year of secret negotiations. The release of prisoners seems
lay the fundations for new agreements on subjets like travel
restrictions and money transfer. Perhaps United States could remove
the embargo imposed to Cuba by J. F. Kennedy in 1961 and soon
Washington could open an embassy in L’Avana. Holy See played a
crucial role in these events as reported cardinal Pietro Parolin, the
Secretary of State. Catholic Church was always interested to promote
the dialogue between Cuba and United States of America. It is
possible to understand this considering the famous message of
Giovanni XXIII (1962) and the travels in the island of Giovanni Paolo
II (1998) and Benedetto XVI (2012). Nowadays the role of Pope
Francesco has been decisive because he wrote a letter to the
presidents inviting them to find a point of covergence. Infact the
Pope comes from Argentina and he knows very well the reality of all
the continent. Then the most important aim of Holy See’s diplomacy
is that to favour paece and dialogue among the countries of all over
the world. In the specific case Vatican diplomacy offered its good
offices because the States begin to negotiate. Cuban Catholic Church
followed these events joyfully hoping to increase its freedom in the
future. Many people wish that the courage demonstrated by Obama and
Castro inspire other leaders to act to exceed contrasts and
conflicts.
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