Professor laments Pope's decision not to criticize Castro regime
April 11, 2012
Writing for The New Republic, Yale professor Carlos Eire expresses regret that Pope Benedict XVI did not offer any direct public criticism of the Castro regime during his visit to Cuba.
Pope Benedict XVI cannot be accused of shirking his responsibility to engage with world affairs. But it is equally clear that he has not been inclined to use his diplomatic power to promote political freedom. On his recent trip, Benedict could have advocated human rights, or protection for Cuban dissidents, many of whom are Catholic themselves. But on all these issues, he largely kept silent.
Eire acknowledges that the Pontiff apparently believes he can serve the cause of freedom best by reviving the Catholic faith and expanding religious freedom. But the professor respectfully disagrees with that political judgment.
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Posted by: florentine -
Apr. 12, 2012 12:18 AM ET USA
I listened to one of Pope Benedict's homilies in Cuba and thought it was quite strong. Over and over again, when hearing our brilliant, humble, elderly pope speak, I am always impressed by his courage to speak the truth in love, no matter his audience or location. Its not always easy to discern the actual effects. but I think Pope Benedict's positive Catholic Christian influence in redirecting ( and correcting) hearts and practices back to Christ has been VERY significant.
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Posted by: jeremiahjj -
Apr. 11, 2012 6:55 PM ET USA
It wasn't necessary for the Holy Father to bash the Castro regime over the head to get his point across that freedom and free enterprise are superior to the harsh treatment being wreaked on the Cuban people. I thought the Pope spoke forcefully, but always in positive terms. Already, the church is being given more freedom to conduct its affairs and Cuba will continue moving away from socialism and toward the freedom that exists 90 in the USA.
