MIAMI (AP) _ Archbishop Thomas Wenski says the impact of the pope’s trip to Cuba will be felt in the long-term.
But Wenski said the pilgrimage he led to the island from Miami has already brought healing to many Cuban-Americans who participated.
More than 300 pilgrims accompanied Wenski to Cuba this week.
Wenski said Thursday upon his return to Miami that one of Pope Bennedict XVI’s missions during his trip was to promote healing and reconciliation among all Cubans.
Some Cuban-Americans on the trip had hoped for stronger words about freedom in Cuba from the pope.
Wenski said the trip was not a “flash in the pan.”
He said the pope’s request that Good Friday be recognized in Cuba was a symbol of Bennedict’s broader desire for more recognition and freedoms for the Church and the Cuban people.
