Pope 'likely' to meet Fidel Castro

September 15, 2015

Pope Francis is "likely" to meet with Fidel Castro during his visit to Cuba, Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, told reporters on September 15.

A meeting with the retired Cuban dictator is not listed on the Pope's schedule, but that schedule-- already crowded-- could be revised to include a few more events.

Questioned as to whether or not the Pope would make time for a meeting with victims of clerical abuse during his short stay in the US, following the example set by Pope Benedict XVI, Father Lombardi did not respond directly. He said, however, that the media would be given notice is such a meeting was arranged. 

Responding more directly to another rumor about the Pope's trip, the Vatican spokesman said that there are no plans for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New York.

 

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Further information:

• Pope’s trip to Cuba and US may get even trickier with last-minute changes (Crux)