Religious persecution gone now in Cuba, professor says

After long years of severe repression, the Cuban government now imposes no restrictions on freedom of worship, and religious freedoms have been broadened, a Cuban professor said Wednesday.

"One can't really speak of religious persecution in Cuba today," said Enrique Lopez Oliva, a professor at the University of Havana, who is on a tour of several U.S. cities to talk about the impact of Pope John Paul II's visit to Cuba in January.Lopez Oliva, who co-edits an independent magazine, noted that during Holy Week in April, religious pilgrimages appeared in Cuba once again, "without any difficulty or barrier." He added that he teaches at a Bible study group that attracts about 300 students each Saturday.