(CNN in Spanish) – The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba stated, through a statement on its website, that it defends the right to demonstrate, in the context of the protests in recent days on the island.

“We understand that people have the right to express their needs, desires and hopes, and thus publicly express how seriously some of the measures taken have affected them,” the statement said.

Similarly, the Conference of Bishops expressed concern about the way in which the government responded to popular protests. “At this time, as pastors, we are concerned that the answers to these claims are inertia that contribute to problems that remain unresolved. Not only do we see situations getting worse, but we also tend to get tougher and tougher on situations that can generate negative reactions. , with unforeseen consequences that would harm us all.”

The Conference of Bishops also held a call to hear each other. “A favorable solution will not be reached by compulsion or by calling for confrontation, but when mutual listening is exercised, joint agreements are sought and concrete and tangible steps are taken that contribute, with the contribution of all Cubans without exception. We build the nation,” the statement said.

The statement ends with a call for nonviolence and “a calmness of spirit and goodwill, and the practice of listening, of understanding, and of an attitude of tolerance, which take into account and respect the other, so that together they may seek ways of a just and appropriate solution.”