A decision by Cuba’s Roman Catholic cardinal to call in police to remove dissidents occupying a church has sparked an uncomfortable debate about the institution’s role on this Communist-run island just days ahead of a high-profile visit by Pope Benedict XVI.
Cuban opposition leaders who had kept their distance from the 13 little-known protesters holed up in the Church of Charity since Tuesday denounced the move by Cardinal Jaime Ortega to oust them, saying Friday it was a black mark for a church that ought to protect human and political rights.
The criticism was joined by human rights officials and some exiles, though others acknowledged the dissidents put church leaders in a tough spot.
The 13 Cuban dissidents were removed from the church in Central Havana at 9:30 p.m. Thursday by some 60 unarmed officers, who took them to a nearby police station, fingerprinted them, and issued a formal warning before sending them home.
The church said in a statement that it had secured a promise from the government not to prosecute the dissidents for their action.
The group initially demanded an audience with the pope during his March 26-28 visit, then asked that he mediate a list of demands on their behalf, including establishing a transitional government to end a half-century of Communist rule under Fidel and Raul Castro.
Separately on Friday, the Vatican said the pope will be available should Fidel Castro ask to meet with him when he visits the country.