Pope Benedict stated that communism had failed in Cuba and offered the Church's assistance in creating a new economic model. The Cuban government reacted cautiously to his remarks ahead of his upcoming visit to the island. During a press conference on his way to Mexico and Cuba, the Catholic leader expressed that Marxist ideology no longer aligns with reality. He emphasized the need to find new models for society through patience and constructive means. These comments, which were more critical than those made by his predecessor John Paul II during his visit to Cuba in 1998, reflect the Church's historical stance against communism. They were unexpected because, despite decades of strained relations following Cuba's 1959 revolution, the Church and government have recently grown closer. Many believed the pope would avoid controversial topics to prevent any issues. However, Cuban leaders did not show any signs of being upset by his remarks at a news conference in Havana. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that they would listen respectfully to the pope and value the exchange of ideas, but also emphasized the deep convictions held by the Cuban people from their country's history. Elizardo Sanchez, who leads the independent Cuban Commission on Human Rights, commended the pope for demonstrating the goodwill of the Catholic Church and specifically Pope Benedict XVI towards the situation in Cuba. However, he expressed skepticism that significant changes would occur. Sanchez stated that the government lacks the determination to implement the necessary political reforms in Cuba. Despite some progress in resolving disagreements, there are still tensions between the Cuban bishops and the government on issues like Church media usage and religious education. Pope John Paul II is remembered for his reconciliatory remarks during a Mass at Havana's Revolution Square, while Pope Benedict acknowledged his predecessor's efforts in promoting collaboration and constructive dialogue in Cuba. The road ahead may be long and require patience, but progress is being made. The Church hopes that the papal visit will help increase its congregation in Cuba, which has decreased since the revolution due to families leaving and government hostility. Church officials estimate that 60 percent of Cuba's population has been baptized, but only five percent attend mass regularly. Benedict, who will be in Cuba for three days, has offered the Church's assistance in achieving a peaceful transition on the island, emphasizing the need for patience and decisiveness. The pope expressed a desire to help foster a fraternal and just society through dialogue to avoid potential challenges during future leadership changes in Cuba. Cuba's leaders have acknowledged the need for improvement in the country's economic model while continuing to support the one-party communist political system. In 2010, Fidel Castro expressed to a reporter that the Cuban model was no longer effective, leading some to believe he was admitting to the failure of communism in Cuba. Castro later clarified that his remark was not a criticism of the communist revolution, but rather a reflection of the challenging economic conditions on the island. This comment indicated his support for his brother's reforms to boost Cuba's economy and maintain the revolution. It remains uncertain if Benedict will meet with Fidel, who governed Cuba for nearly five decades before resigning due to health issues. The Vatican has stated that the pope is willing to meet with Fidel Castro if the elderly, sick leader wants to meet with him. According to a report by Amnesty International published on Thursday, the harassment and detention of dissidents in Cuba have increased significantly in the past two years. When asked about defending human rights in Cuba during a plane journey, the pope responded that the Church always supports freedom, freedom of conscience, and freedom of religion. On Monday, Cuba released 70 members of the dissident group Ladies in White who had been detained over the weekend, but warned them not to participate in events related to the pope's visit. The women, also known as the "Damas de Blanco" in Spanish, were released without charges after being arrested in three separate incidents on Saturday and Sunday when they tried to march in Havana. On Friday, they could not be contacted by phone. Rodriguez issued a warning that any attempts to disrupt the papal visit with political tactics would be unsuccessful, as the Cuban people are patriotic and well-informed. The pope's schedule does not include any meetings with Cuban dissidents. The Vatican recently reiterated its disapproval of the US trade embargo on Cuba, deeming it ineffective and harmful to the general population. The embargo, in place for 50 years, remains a key aspect of US policy towards Cuba despite its failure to weaken the communist regime. Washington implemented the almost complete trade ban during the peak of the Cold War as a way to retaliate against Havana for its alliance with the Soviet Union and with the expectation that it would lead to the downfall of communism.