POPE ASKS CASTRO FOR CLEMENCY IN SENTENCING OF DISSIDENTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 26, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appealed to Fidel Castro, president of the Council of State and of the Government of the Republic of Cuba, through a letter written by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, asking clemency for penalties inflicted on a number of Cuban dissidents.

That letter and an introductory text, which follow in their entirety, were released today by the Holy See Press Office.

"Having learned the news of the heavy penalties inflicted on a sizeable group of Cuban dissidents, including three condemned to die, the Holy Father has charged Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, to express to the president of the Republic of Cuba, Fidel Castro, his deep pain for such a harsh sentence.

"In the letter, which we publish here, the secretary of State expresses the profound pain of Pope John Paul II for the three death penalties and the 'deep sorrow' of the Supreme Pontiff for the 'penalties imposed on many Cuban citizens', asking, in the end, the president of the Republic of Cuba for 'a significant gesture of clemency for those condemned'."
Cardinal Sodano's letter reads:

"Distinguished President,

"With the approaching Easter season, I am happy, in the first place, to express my best wishes to you and the entire Cuban nation.

"In addition, I am carrying out the important duty of communicating to you that the Holy Father felt deeply afflicted when he was informed of the harsh penalties imposed recently on numerous Cuban citizens and also for several who received the death penalty.

"In the face of these facts, His Holiness has charged me with asking Your Excellency to fully consider a meaningful gesture of clemency for those condemned to die, with the certainty that such an act will contribute to creating a climate of greater distension for the benefit of the beloved Cuban people.

"I am sure that you share with me the conviction that only a sincere and constructive encounter between citizens and civil authorities can guarantee the promotion of a modern and democratic State in a Cuba ever more united and fraternal.

"I welcome this occasion to assure you, Mr. President, of sentiments of my highest and most distinguished consideration."

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