POSTE VATICANE in 1998 issued a First Day Cover stamp marking the visit of Pope John II to Cuba. Featured on the stamp is Pope John Paul II and President Fidel Castro of Cuba. The symbolism of this stamp alone is remarkable considering their conflicting beliefs.
At one time an outpost of "godless" Soviet communism, Cuba redefined its relationship with religion and the Catholic church. Although President Fidel Castro began describing his country as "secular" rather than "atheist" in 1992, the most sweeping changes occurred in 1996. The Pope hosted Castro at the Vatican inaugurating a new era in Cuba-church relations. In 1998, the Castro brothers attended Mass when the Pope visited Cuba.
No comments:
Post a Comment