Pope John Paul II called for an end to the US economic embargo against Cuba so that adequate conditions for the Caribbean island's development could be met.

The pope made his comments Jan 8 in an address to Cuba 's new ambassador to the Holy See, Raul Roa Kouri, as the diplomat presented the pope with his letters of credential.

“The Holy See strongly desires that obstacles that hinder free communication and exchange between the Cuban nation and part of the international community be overcome as soon as possible,” the pope said.

Ending the blockade would reinforce, “through respectful and open dialogue with everyone, the conditions necessary for real development,” said the pope.

The United States has maintained a trade and travel embargo against Cuba since 1961 in an effort to topple the communist government led by President Fidel Castro.

In his address, the pope praised Cuba 's progress in providing health care and education to its citizens, adding that the “Holy See considers assuring these conditions of human existence (to be) some of the pillars upon which peace is built.”

Peace, “which is not just the absence of war,” also involves the promotion of the full human person, fostering the “health and harmonic growth of the body and spirit” for all people, he said.

The pope, who visited Cuba in 1998, commended the country's strong sense of solidarity with people suffering from war, poverty or natural disasters. He emphasised the need for greater religious liberty in Cuba , especially in easing the process required for foreign priests and religious to enter the country.

So that the Church in Cuba can continue to promote the common good of the people there, “it is desirable that, in an atmosphere of genuine religious freedom, (the Church) be able to maintain and expand its already existing links of solidarity with other sister Churches,” the pope said.

He asked that “priests and men and women religious who support the work of the Church in Cuba ” and who are “in communion and harmony with the Apostolic See” be made available to help the Cuban Church .

The pope also urged allowing the Church to express its views in the public sphere as well as opening up dialogue with all Cubans.

“In every pluralistic society the Church presents her guidelines and proposals” that can differ from the viewpoints of others. These differences “do not have to create any type of social conflict,” but rather they can “foster more constructive and broader dialogue,” he said.

The Church can contribute greatly toward the promotion of the family, the dignity of the human person, and building “a culture of peace, life and hope,” he said.

Cuba has been accused of human rights violations, including the jailing of political dissidents.

In his Jan 8 address, the pope called for “dialogue with all groups that make up the Cuban people.” (CNS)