The Ladies in White of Havana are a loose knit organization started almost a decade ago by a group of women protesting the arrest of 75 men during a wave of Cuban political repression in 2003. They have frequently clashed with state authorities over the years, and at times have been roughed up on the streets by Castro regime agents. The group was originally composed of immediate family members of those 75 detainees, but later it morphed into a much broader organization, espousing the political and civil rights of every Cuban and demanding the release of all political prisoners. Because of their nonviolent resistance, the Ladies have proven themselves a rather formidable adversary -- and a major headache -- for the Old Men of Havana.
Sources in Cuba say that about 70 members, including their leader, were rounded up over the weekend in advance of a visit by Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, March 26. But all were released in less than 24 hours. Press accounts say that some were told to return to the home towns from which they had traveled. But the Ladies say they intend to continue marching in Havana this week. The U.S. State Dept. strongly condemned the detentions in a statement released today.
The Holy Father arrives in Mexico this Friday, March 23, at about 4:00 p.m. local time. For the first time ever, the papal entourage will bypass Mexico City altogether, opting instead for Guanajuato. Benedict will celebrate several Masses and will meet briefly with president Calderón on Saturday. After a stay of less than 72 hours, he'll fly on to Cuba. In addition to various liturgical celebrations the pope hopes to see former president Fidel Castro, but the press has been told that's not part of the official papal itinerary.
Such a meeting would coincide with the 50th anniversary of Castro's excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church. No, he's never asked for readmission, and the Vatican made it clear months ago, when the papal visit was confirmed, that nothing along that line should be anticipated. But who knows, perhaps the Jesuit-educated Fidel will be struck by a brilliant flash of light from above, much like was Saul (later Paul) while Damascus-bound. A miracle in 2012 Havana.
More details on Benedict's first visit to Mexico and Cuba are in the post below.
Update Mar. 25: More stories have circulated over the weekend about new police sweeps in Havana and the southeastern province of Santiago de Cuba, some of them allegedly directed at members of Las Damas de Blanco. The Pope arrives in Santiago tomorrow.
Benedict and Fidel: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.com/2012/03/benedict-and-fidel-of-what-might-they_27.html.
Pope Benedict on his way to Mexico, Cuba this week: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.mx/2012/01/papal-visit-to-mexico-confirmed-for.html.
The Ugly American - and the Jesuits: http://mexicogulfreporter.blogspot.mx/2011/10/ugly-american-and-jesuits.html.
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