In a stunning move by Cuba, Fidel Castro invited Pope John Paul II to visit Cuba. This could have serious repercussions with Cuban, American and foreign relations.

For those of you who are unaware, the United States has had a 34-year embargo against Cuba. On top of this, the United States has discouraged millions of dollars of investment by foreign companies with the Helms-Burton Act.

Castro met with John Paul in the Vatican to discuss the World Food Summit. But this was not the only thing on his agenda. Cuba surely has felt the U.S.’s death grip on it for years, and it is my opinion that Castro believes that the world will be sympathetic to Cuba and will ask the United States to release its embargo and Helms-Burton Act.

Is this what Castro wants or has he mellowed out since the 70’s? What’s his game? Does he really want to improve relations with the Catholic church in which only 200 ministers are currently practicing in Cuba?

The last time the Pope visited a communist regime, one such as Cuba, communism ended in Eastern Europe.

(Cuba’s people) have been oppressed for years and now all of a sudden have an actual chance to tell someone their troubles, burdens and labors.

This seems to good to be true. Let’s see if Fidel does want a change for the best.

Andy Gonzales

Freshman

Political Science