The week at a glance ... Americas

Americas

Havana

Cardinal calls for reform: In an unusually direct criticism of Cuba’s communist authorities, the head of the Cuban Catholic Church this week called for wide economic and social reforms. Cardinal Jaime Ortega told the church newspaper Palabra Nueva that the government should “make the necessary changes quickly” to end “economic and social difficulties” in Cuba. “Our country is in a very difficult situation, certainly the most difficult we have lived in this 21st century,” he said. Cuba is still reeling from three hurricanes that struck in 2008, as well as from the global financial crisis. Ortega also said the church believes Cuba should release its estimated 200 political prisoners, and he called for the U.S. to do more to improve relations.

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