Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Pope Francis Visits Fidel Castro in His Havana Home

Pope Francis Visits Fidel Castro in His Havana Home / EFE – 14ymedio
Posted on September 21, 2015

EFE, 14ymedio, Havana, 20 September 2105 — According to an announcement
made by the Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi, Pope Francis met
today with former president Fidel Castro at his Havana home.

The meeting took place after the Pontiff celebrated mass in Havana's
Plaza of the Revolution. According to Lombardi, the meeting lasted
approximately forty minutes, taking place in a "very family-like and
informal" setting.

The Apostolic Nuncio Giorgio Lingua accompanied Francis during his visit
with the Cuban leader. Fidel Castro's wife, children, and
grandchildren–approximately ten people in total–were also present.

Lombardi explained that the Argentine pontiff and Castro discussed
"current global problems," especially those related to the environment.

The Vatican spokesperson said that Fidel Castro took the opportunity to
ask Francis about "important issues in today's world" that concern and
interest the former Cuban president.

Apart from their conversation, Francis and Fidel Castro exchanged gifts.
Specifically, the Pontiff gave Castro two books by Alessandro Pronzato,
an expert in catechism, scripture, and a renowned theologian. One of the
books is entitled "Disturbing Gospels," while the other focuses on the
relationship between humor and religion.

The Pope also gave Castro copies of his apostolic exhortation "Evangelii
Gaudium," and his famous encyclical on environmental issues "Laudato si."

For his part, the former Cuban president presented the Pope with a copy
of "Fidel and Religion," an interview he gave to Brazilian theologian
Frei Betto in 1985. The book's dedication read: "To Pope Francis, on the
occasion of his fraternal visit to Cuba. With the admiration and respect
of the Cuban people."

Fidel Castro, 89 years old, who retired from power in 2006 due to
illness, also held a private meeting with Benedict XVI when he visited
Cuba in 2012. On that occasion, the former president and several of his
relatives travelled to the Apostolic Nunciature in order to see the Pontiff.

Translated by José Badué

Source: Pope Francis Visits Fidel Castro in His Havana Home / EFE –
14ymedio | Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/pope-francis-vists-fidel-castro-in-his-havana-home-efe-14ymedio/

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