HAVANA – The future of U.S.-Cuba relations can change in the coming weeks and there is concern from the Catholic Church about the future relationship, since the church played a key role in reconnecting both countries.
"The Catholic Church has always sought to serve people," Father Gilbert Walker, who is an American Catholic priest in Cuba, said.
That is one of the reasons the church has been interested in creating space in Cuba, a country that was once officially atheist.
But after three papal visits, Catholicism is filling a void.
In La Merced, they have a Casa de Abuelo, or senior center, which is officially recognized by the state run health department.
"Our senior center receives a monthly allotment from the Ministry of Public Health, and that covers most of our food costs and salaries for our employees," Walker said.
Walker said that cooperation is necessary, because Cuba has one of the most aging populations in the Americas.
Yolanda Montane Cajigas, 78, is one of the beneficiaries.
She, her husband and 50 others come to the center on a daily basis, where they are given breakfast, a snack and lunch.
"When here, we don't worry and get to disconnect from our everyday problems," she said in Spanish.
"The more openness there is, the greater sense of trust that there is between the two countries, (and) the better it is for everybody," Walker said.
Walker also discussed the future of U.S.-Cuba relations, which is somewhat on hold while a new president takes office.
"Certainly, the interchange between Americans and Cubans here in Cuba has benefited, I think, everyone and certainly has benefited the church," Walker said.
Walker said he hopes President-elect Donald Trump will listen with openness and think about what's in the best interest of the American people and the Cuban people.
He hopes Trump will continue the same approach that President Barack Obama took toward Cuba, so there is a new level of understanding and friendship.
"A dialog, meaningful dialog, engaged dialog, and look for areas of cooperation between our two countries. That's my hope," Walker said.
Some of the elderly Cubans Local 10 News spoke with Thursday said they likely will not see a future Cuba, but they hope that the relationship between Cuba and America continues, because they feel like it benefits both countries.
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