WASHINGTON—President Donald J. Trump recently announced
modifications to existing U.S. policy towards Cuba that will impact travel by
U.S. citizens to the island, as well as U.S. commercial relations with Cuban
government-controlled entities.

In the following statement, Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las
Cruces, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace,
expressed regret at the scaling-back of U.S. engagement with Cuba, while also
appreciating the President´s concern for the human rights situation on the
island.

Full statement follows:

“On the eve of my pastoral visit to Cuba
at the invitation of the Cuban bishops, I was saddened to learn that President
Trump scaled-back our country’s bilateral engagement with the island
nation. The United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops, in solidarity with the bishops of Cuba and the Holy See, has
long held that human rights and religious freedom will be strengthened through
more engagement between the Cuban and American people, not less. For decades,
we have called for the U.S. travel ban and embargo against Cuba to be lifted.

In my capacity as international chairman,
I urge that as the implementing regulations are drafted the President consider
the ramifications for many ordinary Cubans who have taken advantage of new
opportunities to support their families. The President is correct; serious
human rights concerns persist. The Cuban
government must be urged to respect religious freedoms and to extend greater
social, political and economic rights to all Cubans. The fruits of investment in Cuba should
benefit individuals and families, and not the security forces.

Pope Francis helped our nations to come
together in dialogue. It is important to continue to promote dialogue and
encounter between our neighboring nations and peoples.”

For
more information about the Committee on International Justice and Peace
regarding Cuba, please visit the following page on the USCCB website: https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/latin-america-caribbean/cuba/

Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB,
President Donald Trump, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Cuba
policy, bilateral engagement, Pope Francis, Holy See, religious freedom, human
rights, economic rights, investment, security, dialogue, encounter.

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Judy
Keane
Media
Contact
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops