User:Nosburg/sandbox

History
Catholicism has historically been the majority religion in Cuba since it's colonization. In 1916, soon after Cuba gained independence, Pope Benedict XV declared the patron saint of Cuba to be Our Lady of Charity. She is also the patroness of the poor and the dispossessed. Many Cuban Catholics have a strong devotion to Our Lady of Charity, and she is considered the Mother of Cuba.

Even though the Catholic Church is so wide spread in Cuba, Communist Cuba is no exception to the ideological clash between Communism and Catholicism that was common in communist countries. Prior to Fidel Castro's ascent to power in 1959 there were over 800 catholic priests. After Castro took over he imposed restrictions on religious activities such as Christmas celebrations, and in 1962 barred personnel of the Church from joining the Communist Party of Cuba - following a communist tradition of Marxist-Leninist atheism. However, Castro's efforts were not as successful as in traditionally communist countries such as the USSR or China.

When the Cold War ended, such restrictions were lifted and the atheist guidelines outlined in the Cuban Constitution were removed. Catholics have been able openly join the Party since 1990. In 1998 Pope John Paul II made an official visit to Cuba and met leader Fidel Castro in person. Castro honored the Pope publicly. Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2012, meeting both Fidel and Raúl Castro, as did Pope Francis in 2015.

Current Status
The Catholic Church body in Cuba is governed by the Cuban Bishops Conference. There are over six million Catholics - around 60.5% of the total population. The country is divided into eleven dioceses including three archdioceses. There are 304 parishes and 2,210 other pastoral centers; Within those parishes and pastoral centers there are 17 bishops, 361 priests, 656 religious, 24 members of secular institutes, 2,122 lay missionaries, 4,133 catechists, 13 minor seminarians, and 78 major seminarians. There are 12 Catholic schools that have a total of 1,113 students. Along with the parishes, pastoral centers, and schools there are 2 clinics, 1 leper colony, 8 homes for elders, and 3 orphanages and nurseries.

The Catholic Church in Cuba has taken on a more politically active role than in many other countries. It claims to have engaged in discussion with the government on issues such as political prisoners and free market reforms.

Catholics in Cuba have greater religious freedom than those in other Communist countries such as China and Vietnam.