On March 28, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI says the 50 years old U.S. “Restrictive economic measures imposed from outside the country unfairly burden its people.” of Cuba.
The Pope made his comments after a three day visit to Cuba. Vatican officials have denounced the U.S. sanctions in the past.
The United States ordered the sanctions in 1960, after Cuba’s Revolution overthrew the repressive U.S. supported Batista regime. After 50 years you’d think U.S. officials would realize that sanctions do not work! After all, many U.S. corporations missed out on trade deals when Cuba opened its business doors to foreign investments (and don’t forget the oil that’s been discovered just off the shores of the island country).