Castro Attends Funeral for Pope—“Your Departure Pains Us, Unforgettable Friend, and We Fervently Wish Your Example is Lasting”

Michael Ireland / Aimee Herd : Apr 5, 2005
Assist News Service

(Havana, Cuba) Joining the millions around the world in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II was Fidel Castro, in his first visit to a Cathedral in decades, church officials say. Castro, with members of his communist party in tow, traded his military attire for a dark suit, and attended the Catholic Cathedral in Havana for a funeral Mass for the pope.

At the Vatican’s mission in Havana, Castro wrote in the book of condolences, "Rest in peace, tireless fighter for friendship among peoples, enemy of war and friend of the poor. Your departure pains us, unforgettable friend, and we fervently wish your example is lasting.”

During a visit by Pope John Paul II to Cuba in 1998, in which he spoke out against the U.S. trade embargo, Castro declared, “This earned you the gratitude and the affection of all Cubans forever.”