Madrid/The condolences of General Raúl Castro could not miss before the death of Pope Francis on Monday, headed by a: “Rest in peace, endearing friend. His death touches me deeply.” The brief message He is one of the most emotional that is reminded of the former Cuban president to another head of state and ratifies the many words of admiration he dedicated in life, including the famous “if he continues like this (…) I will pray again and return to the Church.”
The relationship between the two men dates from the visit of Pope Francis to Cuba, in September 2015. Unlike John Paul II, the Argentine despised the opponents, and a militant of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), Zacchaeo Báez, had to skip the security cords in the Plaza de la Revolution to approach the Papamob White Ladies That is why the Vatican changed his agenda, which included a visit from Francisco to Fidel Castro at his home and several acts with the regime’s dome.
Castro defines Francisco as “an entire and consistent man who reciprocated with affection and Buenaventura the human relationship we forge.” It is almost a tracing of the words that the Pope dedicated to the general in an interview conducted in the year 2022 in which he risked to pronounce a controversial phrase that bothered a lot to much of the Cuban exile: “I confess it: with Raúl Castro I have a human relationship.”
Castro defines Francisco as “an entire and consistent man who reciprocated with affection and Buenaventura the human relationship we forge”
“I keep pleasant memories of the meetings that we held and significantly appreciated their love for the Cuban people and their personal contribution to promote a fraternal and understanding dialogue in the relations between Cuba and the Holy See, which were strengthened during their pontificate,” continues the former president. Although Francisco’s mediation was key in the conversations that led to the historic moment of the thaw With the US after 50 years of broken relationships, Castro does not mention the matter.
He does dedicate a last paragraph to the most social slope of Francisco’s papacy, who in his opinion was “an example of indefatigable brewing in defense of peace and fraternity among the peoples.” He also mentions, in a generic way, “constant concern for the pressing challenges facing humanity and its dedication and commitment to the search for a viable solution, and at the same time sustainable, to those problems, [que] They will be an example for all. ”However, one of Bergoglio’s battle horses in recent years and that significantly affects Cuba: migration.
“As he expressed on one occasion, I will also take him forever in my heart,” he closes his message, making it clear that Bergoglio once dedicated the same words.
On the occasion of the death of the Pope, the president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, decreed Monday official duel From 6:00 on Tuesday at 12 p.m. on April 24, a deadly term of less than three days. In other countries such as Venezuela, Chile, India or Spain, mourning will be three full days, while in Paraguay it will be five and in Argentina, the native country of the Pontiff, will last for a week.
The Presidential Decree indicates, as usual, that the Cuban flag waves at half -mast in public buildings and military institutions. In addition, the text indicates the “friendship relationship” that he had with Raúl Castro and-in front of this-that “received” Diaz-Canel in the Holy See in 2023.
The Presidential Decree indicates, as usual, that the Cuban flag waves at half -mast in public buildings and military institutions
The text of the Cuban presidency does mention the intercession of Franciso “for the improvement of relations between the United States and Cuba” and points out, in a more political tone, which advocated “because the US government would leave aside the blockade policy.” In the diplomatic field, it emphasizes that, as head of state, “he made important contributions for the strengthening of relations between Cuba and the Holy See, based on the dialogue respectful and moved by deep feelings of affection towards the Cuban people.”
In addition, he also emphasizes that he was a “progressive” Pope, “fervent defender of peace” and the environment.
Granma also dedicate a note entitled Francisco’s papacy marks a before and after in which he reviews the life and milestones of the Supreme Pontiff, accompanied by the meetings between Bergoglio and the three leaders that Castroism has had, including that of the “courtesy” visit that made Fidel Castro in 2015, during his visit to the island.
