Pope Benedict XVI sends letter to Raúl
• Complete text of the letter that His Holiness Benedict XVI sent to Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers, received April 27

"WITH the pleasure of having undertaken my apostolic journey to Cuba for the 400th anniversary of the discovery and presence in that nation of the venerated image of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre, it is a pleasure for me to express to Your Excellency and the country’s other authorities my deep gratitude for the sterling attention shown me during my unforgettable stay in this noble land, in which I was able to be with Cubans to confirm them in the faith and encourage them to feel themselves essential protagonists in the construction of a serene, luminous and hopeful future.

I am responding to the exquisite hospitality given to me during the unforgettable days spent in your country by especially remembering you in my prayers, by imploring the Almighty that Cuba will continue advancing decisively along the paths of freedom, solidarity and concord, for the common good and the just progress of all its sons and daughters.

"With these sentiments and while placing under the gentle regard of the Mambisa Virgin the just aspirations of all Cubans, I give them a special apostolic blessing, the pledge of abundant divine favors.