La Iglesia Católica cubana y el Estado en 1959 según la circular Vida Nueva
The paper analyzes the relationship between the Cuban government and the Catholic Church after the victory of the Cuban Revolution in 1959. The struggle of Fidel Castro and his fellow rebels against the Batista dictatorship was supported by a significant number of priests and catholic faithfuls. Three days after the victory of the Ejercito Rebelde, a pastoral letter with the title of Vida Nueva (New Life) was issued by Mons. Enrique Pérez Serantes, the primate of Cuba. This letter is a main source for the interpretation of the Church and State relations at the beginning of the political changes. The analysis of the letter helps to understand the attitude of the Catholic Church toward the new political system and it’s leader, Fidel Castro. After the victory of the revolution, despite the earlier promises, the new Cuban State vigorously opposed the Catholic Church. The new goverment began to weaken its institutional system, and aspired to the elimination of these institutions in some fields.