A South Florida religion expert said on Monday that the credibility of Pope Benedict XVI is on the line with his visit to Cuba.
“The creditability of this pope is on the line. According to many observers myself included, the church has done a very poor job of influencing events in Cuba,” Daniel Alvarez, professor of religion at Florida International University.
News broke over the weekend that the pope wanted to see Fidel Castro while in Cuba. Fidel Castro is no longer head of state and he was excommunicated by the church in the 1960s.
But does he want to get back into the church? Give a confession? Alvarez said he wouldn't be surprised.
"Maybe this pope is willing to change the character of that relationship and insist on some substantive change. In other words, releasing political prisoners might not be enough for this pope, he wants more,” Alvarez said.
As the workers continue on preparing for what is shaping up as a potential watershed event in the church-state relationship, the pope faces challenges.
"Will he simply continue the policy of accommodation, essentially, timidly towards the regime and to seek gains for the church or will this pope take a much more active role?” Alvarez said.
The pope arrives in Cuba March 26 and will be in Havana a day later.
