Monday, March 18, AD 2024 11:36pm

PopeWatch: Fidel Castro

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The Pope, among most world leaders, has issued a statement on the death of Fidel Castro:

 

During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Rubio’s criticism of President Obama’s statement of condolence following the death of the former Cuban dictator was noted – he called it “pathetic” – but then interviewer Dana Bash pointed about that Pope Francis, too, had expressed sorrow.

“As a practicing Catholic, what’s your reaction to that?” Bash asked.

“Well, as a practicing Catholic, I believe in the theological authority of the Bishop of Rome – and that’s what Pope Francis is,” Rubio began. “On political matters, however, particularly on foreign policy issues, I don’t necessarily believe that that binds those of us in the faith in terms of issues of foreign policy. I still respect it, but this is a very different thing.”

Rubio questioned the validity of the comparison Bash had drawn.

“Pope Francis is the leader of a religious organization, the Roman Catholic Church,” he said. “Barack Obama is the president of the most powerful country in the world.”

The Pope’s response came in the form of a telegram to President Raul Castro acknowledging “the sad news of the death of your dear brother.”

“I express my sentiments of sorrow to Your Excellency and other family members of the deceased dignitary, as well as to the people of this beloved nation,” he wrote. “At the same time, I offer prayers to the Lord for his rest and I entrust the whole Cuban people to the maternal intercession of our Lady of the Charity of El Cobre, patroness of that country.”

 

Go here to read the rest.

 

Here is the statement of Pope Francis:

Upon receiving the sad news of the death of your dear brother, His Excellency Mister Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, former president of the State Council and of the Government of the Republic of Cuba, I express my sentiments of sorrow to Your Excellency and other family members of the deceased dignitary, as well as to the people of this beloved nation.  At the same time, I offer prayers to the Lord for his rest and I trust the whole Cuban people to the maternal intercession of our Lady of the Charity of El Cobre, patroness of this country.

 

Here is the statement of President Obama:

At this time of Fidel Castro’s passing, we extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people. We know that this moment fills Cubans – in Cuba and in the United States – with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation. History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him. 

For nearly six decades, the relationship between the United States and Cuba was marked by discord and profound political disagreements. During my presidency, we have worked hard to put the past behind us, pursuing a future in which the relationship between our two countries is defined not by our differences but by the many things that we share as neighbors and friends – bonds of family, culture, commerce, and common humanity. This engagement includes the contributions of Cuban Americans, who have done so much for our country and who care deeply about their loved ones in Cuba.

Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people. In the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. As they do, the Cuban people must know that they have a friend and partner in the United States of America.

Here is the statement of President Elect Trump:

Today, the world marks the passing of a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades. Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights.

 
 While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve.

 

Though the tragedies, deaths and pain caused by Fidel Castro cannot be erased, our administration will do all it can to ensure the Cuban people can finally begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty.  I join the many Cuban Americans who supported me so greatly in the presidential campaign, including the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association that endorsed me, with the hope of one day soon seeing a free Cuba.

 

PopeWatch gives the Pope’s statement an A for saying nothing, Obama’s an A for missing the point and Trump’s an A for historical accuracy.

 

Hopefully some cartoonist will do justice to the event of Castro’s death as Herbert Block did on the death of Stalin:

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Father of Seven
Father of Seven
Tuesday, November 29, AD 2016 5:43am

“…the deceased dignitary..” The Pope’s statement is shameful. I expect nothing from Obama. I am proud of Trump’s statement.

Art Deco
Art Deco
Tuesday, November 29, AD 2016 8:16am

Of course, BO couldn’t get through a 200 word statement without being gratuitously self-referential.

Stephen E Dalton
Stephen E Dalton
Tuesday, November 29, AD 2016 8:29am

All this sobbing over this dead tyrant sickens me. I hope all those shedding tears over this monster now will get an embarrassing comeuppance that will make them a byword forfool or idiot!

Philip
Philip
Tuesday, November 29, AD 2016 8:37am

“History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him.” -Lame duck.

A revealing statement.
Obama wanted to have an enormous impact on the world around him, however he only boosted his own ego in the eight years of his, (dictatorship… presidential edicts).

Anti-American sentiments were expected from Cuba, but to have a POTUS that equally hated America was truly an abomination, and history Mr. Obama, has judge you! A continuation of your legacy ended at the hands of Americans who saw Hillary Clinton as an extension of Socialist doctrine.

Castro… Obama…they both fit into the cartoon above. They are cut from the same cloth as Joe Stalin’s. Our slaughtered innocent’s can attest to it Mr. Obama since you have done nothing to help the unborn. In fact, you only aided in their demise.

Obama. Get lost.

Michael Dowd
Michael Dowd
Wednesday, November 30, AD 2016 4:30am

Here is Maureen Mullarkey on same subject. She nails it.

“Moral cretins and hard left wingers grieved for the death of Fidel Castro. Pope Francis placed himself among the mourners of a moral monster.”

http://studiomatters.com/moral-cretins-castro-mourners

CAM
CAM
Wednesday, November 30, AD 2016 9:59am

Trump and Rubio have it right and their statements should give the Cuban populace hope.
As for the Cuban masses pictured in mourning as they pass by Castro’s body in state, the spectacle is either engineered by the Cuban government, or the Stockholm syndrome or curiosity. Some of all three, my guess.

Foxfier
Admin
Wednesday, November 30, AD 2016 10:03am

*checks the definition*
Dignitary would include dictator… so “Sorry your brother is dead,” vs Obama’s where I am still not 100% sure the writer wasn’t going for snark. (Not OBama, but whoever wrote it for him.)
The that Trudoue (sp) Eulogies hashtag had some nice stuff. “While not a fan of the Aldaran situation, the Emperor made great strides in healthcare.”

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