US eases curbs on Cuba to coincide with Papal visit as Pope meets Fidel Castro

In a remarkable timing that coincided with the Pope’s visit to Cuba and the United States, the White House announced a series of changes to loosen its curbs on travel, commerce and investment with Cuba. The visiting Pope drew a great response in Cuba from believers and urged Cubans to put service to mankind above the service of ideologies.

The easing of curbs is also part of President Obama’s goal to break down barriers between Washington and Havana despite more American embargoes waiting to be lifted.

More business

The new rules will allow American companies, including telecommunications and Internet providers, to open shop and hire workers in Cuba besides increasing the volume of financial transactions. The rules took effect from Sep.21 on the eve of the Papal visit to the U.S. It is known that Pope Francis was the main proponent of a reconciliation between the U.S and Cuba.

The Congress has to take action for lifting the remaining travel and trade embargo on Cuba and President Obama is hoping for their support, although many senior aides of the president do not think it would happen in the short term.

“I don’t think we’ve seen a whole lot of evidence to indicate that those prospects have significantly improved,” said Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary. Still, the new rules are expected to deepen the connections between Cubans and Americans in the interim and help Cubans to get more exposure on American values as the U.S businesses will also gain.

Pope in Cuba

Meanwhile, Pope Francis, who is on a visit to Cuba, visited its former President Fidel Castro. The pontiff visited Castro after celebrating a mass in front of thousands of people in Havana.

Vatican described the Castro meeting as an “informal and friendly” encounter, the BBC reported. Pope Francis, in a homily, urged Cubans to serve each other rather than any ideology. It is the first visit by the Pope to the Communist-ruled island.

During his speeches, the Pope avoided any political statements, though he repeated his frequent criticism of a “throwaway culture” and the “idolatry of money.”

“Children aren't loved, they're killed before being born. The elderly are thrown away, because they don't produce. Some countries have euthanasia. But in some others there is a hidden euthanasia. The youth is thrown away because they have no job opportunities,” the Pope said.

The pontiff also added that conflicts and disagreements in the church are natural and are needed. “They are a sign that the church is alive and that the spirit is still acting, still enlivening her,” reported CNN.

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