So, how about Castro returning to the faith?

[Starboard Tack]

Sounds like Francis is impressing some interesting folk.

[hrmjustin]

1. Wow that is news.

[bvf]

2. Boy Howdy.

Gotta link?

[pinto]

3. Here's one I saw quoted in General Discussion -

I'm unfamiliar with the website -

Raul Castro Meets Pope Francis, & Says He's So Impressed, He Might Go Back To The Catholic Church

http://www.bustle.com/articles/82250-raul-castro-meets-pope-francis-says-hes-so-impressed-he-might-go-back-to-the

[bvf]

4. Heh.

'I'm unfamiliar with the website..."

I wasn't asking you, but thanks for playing.

[pinto]

5. Just happened to see the GD post right before I read this one. Wanted to pass it on.

[bvf]

11. I believe it's customary for an OP to include a link

when commenting on current events.

I found the omission curious.

[Starboard Tack]

16. Sorry about the missing link

I was on plane and had to go to Airplane mode. I saw it on BBC.com

[edhopper]

6. Sounds like he was a lax Catholic

I am not sure how much of this is politics though.

The Vatican and Cuba have always maintained relations.

[okasha]

8. Lapsed Catholic.

As Castro noted, membership in the Cuban Communist Party originally excluded practicing religion.

With diplomatic relations again in place, I hope we can learn something from Cuba about efficient and effective delivery of excellent medical care to everyone who needs it.

[edhopper]

13. That was a funny typo by moi.

I agree with your last sentence.

[okasha]

14. All things considered,

he probably was lax before he lapsed.

The Cuban public health system is one of the best in the world„ agreed.

[Warren Stupidity]

9. lapsed. The lax ones just don't show up for mass and such. Perhaps the op could give an example of

one.

[edhopper]

15. yeah, lapsed.

[pinto]

10. Agree. Many Cubans apparently are "cultural Catholics" in that it's imbued in the culture.

Politics likely plays a part here, too. Raul is obviously intent on opening broader relations with world players - national, economic, social, religious, etc. And he heads a country with a large young adult population. I think they don't see things as insular as previous generations. He's got to know that.

[Warren Stupidity]

7. indeed, perhaps you should follow suit.

It would be much easier for you.

[Starboard Tack]

17. Nah! Don't think so

Never really had any religious faith to return to. But I'm sure lots of lapsed Catholics will return if Francis continues to give them hope.

[bvf]

18. Dream on...

[Starboard Tack]

20. Hardly my dream.

But interesting. I've never had much affection for any religious organization, especialy the RCC, but this guy, I kinda like. I disagree with him on lots of issues, but he seems genuine and open to change. I'll be having more conversations with friends about their feelings when I get back to Italy next week.
Italians are always a good barometer for these things.

[skepticscott]

19. Hope? That's not what they want

They want to no longer have to defend their voluntary membership and contributions to one of the most homophobic, sexist, anti-choice organizations in the world. They don't want to have to explain to their progressive friends why they're a part of campaigns to deprive so many millions of humans of their full and equal rights with no other reason than "the services are so beautiful" and "Soup Kitchens!"

This pope will never give them that. But they need it so badly that they'll cling to anything that lets them fool themselves into thinking he will.

[msongs]

12. he's looking for insurance after his brutal dicatatorship that murdered uncounted thousands nt