A well-known Cuban priest was in South Florida on Monday, ahead of Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to the island nation later this month.
The Rev. Jose Conrado Rodriguez is famous for talking openly about the situation in Cuba. He said preparations are under way for the Pope's visit this month, but there are some who simply aren't anticipating it.
Rodriguez said Cubans will never lose hope, but the anticipation that big changes will come after the Pope's visit is no longer there.
"I don't fail to recognize that the reason our issues have not been resolved is fundamentally because of our own government," Rodriguez said in Spanish.
Politics never played a part in Rodriguez's decision to become a priest. Instead, it was his belief in divine intervention and his desire to dedicate his life to God.
Rodriguez, known as the "People's Cardinal," is one of Cuba's most famous priests, but also at times is one of the most controversial. He has been openly critical in letters sent to the Castro regime, both under Fidel and Raul Castro. But he insists his criticism has nothing to do with politics, but the humanity among Cubans themselves.
"That's what I was trying to tell Fidel in that letter: If you just take the initiative and open up the dialogue of better relations, the people won't object, because if you are their leader, and they will follow. All the 'enemy' wants is an open dialogue," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez is holding Masses and conferences at Miami churches, but he will soon return to Cuba ahead of Pope Benedict XVI's visit at the end of March. He said while Cubans are looking forward to seeing El Papa, the eager anticipation and hope for change has dwindled since the visit by Pope John Paul II in 1998.
"Times are tough now. The Cuban people are having a rough time seeing what the future may bring. The situation back during Pope John Paul's visit was just as rough, but at least then there was hope," Rodriguez said.
But Rodriguez does believe the visit will bring new hope to the island; it just takes a little faith, he said.
"I think Pope Benedict's visit will make a difference among the Cuban people and help bring about new inspiration and hope," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez tries to come to South Florida at least once every couple of years. Many are surprised he would not want to stay in the U.S. permanently, but he said he has a love for his country and feels he is needed there.
