June 30, 1999

28-Jun-99 -- ZENIT News Agency

HAVANA, JUN 28 (ZENIT).- In his address, during the 4th "Social Week" of the Catholic Church in Cuba, Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, spoke about the need for "dedication to announcing the Gospel, the defense of justice and peace, and the promotion of the integral development of persons." The meeting was held in Matanzas -- 60 miles from Havana, from June 24-27.

In addition, Bishop Crepaldi pointed out that religious liberty "cannot be simply reduced to the freedom of worship, but it also implies the right to freedom from discrimination in the exercise of other rights and liberties that are innate to every human person."

After referring to the "doctrinal legacy" that Pope John Paul II left after his visit to Cuba and the words pronounced on this topic in Revolution Square, Bishop Crepaldi stressed that the Church must continue to contribute to the development of civilization with its prophetic mission, worship and charity. "These are three dimensions intricately linked among themselves, as the prophetic word in defense of the oppressed and charitable service give authenticity and coherence to worship," Bishop Crepaldi said.

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