On Friday, Pope Benedict stated that communism had failed in Cuba and suggested that the Church could help in establishing a new economic system. The Cuban government responded cautiously to his remarks before his upcoming visit to the island next week. During a press conference on his way to Mexico and Cuba, the Catholic leader mentioned that Marxist ideology no longer aligns with reality. He emphasized the need for new, patient, and constructive models for society. The pontiff's statements were more direct and critical than those made by his predecessor, John Paul II, during his visit to Cuba 14 years ago, showcasing the Church's historical stance against communism. The Church and government in Cuba have improved their relationship in recent years, which led many to believe that the pope would avoid controversial topics during his visit. Despite any potential disagreement with the pope's comments, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez expressed respect for his words and emphasized the importance of exchanging ideas while acknowledging the deep convictions of the Cuban people. 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 change would occur, stating that the government lacks the necessary determination to implement the political reforms needed in Cuba. Although Pope John Paul II is remembered for his conciliatory remarks in Revolution Square in Havana, Pope Benedict acknowledged his predecessor for initiating a path of collaboration and constructive dialogue that requires patience and persistence. Despite some progress in resolving disputes, disagreements between the Cuban bishops and government persist on issues such as Church access to media and religious education. The Church is looking to increase its congregation in Cuba by utilizing the papal visit, as many families left the country after the revolution and there has been government hostility towards the Church. Approximately 60 percent of Cuba's population has been baptized, but only five percent attend mass regularly. During his three-day visit, Pope Benedict offered the Church's assistance in facilitating a peaceful transition on the island, emphasizing the need for patience and decisiveness. The Church aims to contribute to a fraternal and just society in Cuba, and hopes to avoid potential difficulties in the transition after the departure of the country's aging leaders, Fidel Castro and Raul Castro. Cuba's leaders have acknowledged the need to improve the country's economic model, while strongly supporting the one-party communist political system. In 2010, Fidel Castro admitted to a reporter that the Cuban model was no longer working for them, which some saw as a sign of communism's failure in Cuba. However, Castro later clarified that his comment was not a criticism of the communist revolution, but rather a response to the challenging economic conditions in Cuba. This statement indicated Castro's support for his brother's efforts to reform the economy and preserve the revolution. It is still uncertain whether Benedict will meet with Fidel, who governed Cuba for nearly five decades before stepping down due to age and health issues. The Vatican has stated that the pope will be willing to meet with the elderly, ailing Castro if he wishes. Amnesty International reported on Thursday that harassment and detention of dissidents in Cuba has significantly increased in the past two years. When asked about defending human rights in Cuba during a plane ride, 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 Ladies in White group who had been detained over the weekend, but cautioned them against participating in events related to the pope's visit. The women, also known as the "Damas de Blanco," were released without charges after being arrested in three separate incidents on Saturday and Sunday while trying to march in Havana. They could not be contacted by phone on Friday. Rodriguez cautioned that attempts to disrupt the papal visit with political tactics will be unsuccessful as the Pope will encounter a patriotic and educated Cuban people proud of their culture and beliefs. The Pope's itinerary does not include meetings with Cuban dissidents. The Vatican recently reiterated its disapproval of the US trade embargo against Cuba, deeming it ineffective and harmful to the average citizens. Despite being in place for 50 years, the embargo remains a key component of US policy towards Cuba, despite failing to achieve its goal of weakening the communist regime. During the peak of the Cold War, Washington enforced a nearly complete trade ban in order to retaliate against Havana for its backing of the Soviet Union and with the expectation that it would result in the downfall of communism.