SANTA CLARA.— His Eminence Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone performed mass and inaugurated a monument dedicated to John Paul II in this city, where the Supreme Pontiff took part in his first ceremony on Cuban soil during his visit to the island in January 1998.

During the homily, that took place in the vicinity of Loma del Capiro, the Secretary of State for His Holiness read out a warm message from Pope Benedict XVI and highlighted his joy at being on the most beautiful land that humans have ever set eyes on.

"Carry the Pope’s greetings to all the corners of this land; he has a special place in his heart for you", he said to the almost 3,000 people who were attending the religious ceremony.

The ecclesiastical dignitary called for the renewal of the petitions made by John Paul II ten years ago for the Cuban family, solidarity between people and the commitment to construct a better world.

As the inauguration of the monument was taking place, Cardinal Bertone stated that the sculpture complex constitutes a sign of the Pope’s visit to this site.

Attending the event were Political Bureau members Esteban Lazo, vice president of the Council of State and Culture Minister Abel Prieto; as well as representatives of the political authorities and government of Villa Clara, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Cuba and members of the Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Yesterday (Saturday), the Secretary of State traveled to the province of Santiago de Cuba and today, Sunday, he will be in Guantánamo as part of his third visit to the island.

Translated by Granma International 24-02-2008