As I write this, television networks and stations around the world are beaming images of His Holiness, Pope Francis, spiritual leader of 2 billion Catholics, celebrating Mass under the huge several stories tall iron wall sculpture of Che Guevara. (see also our post earlier today)
Guevara is the revolutionary “hero” of castro’s communist cuba, and, brutal, murderous thug who executed countless political opponents and innocent Cuban citizens whom he suspected might be. Many it is said were killed with enthusiasm by Guevara’s own hand. Others he eagerly watched from his office window as they were shot by firing squads near the very location Pope Francis has chosen to celebrate the Eucharist.
Somewhere from his own special circle of hell, Che must be feeling a moment of relief from his eternal suffering just by seeing the Vicar of Christ saying Mass as Che’s likeness looks down on the scene.
In just a couple of days, the Pope will visit the United States and meet with President Obama, much of whose political agenda Francis shares.
His visit is so eagerly anticipated by the throngs of the Catholic faithful and non-Catholics, and especially the news media.
But as one considers this day’s events, the Pope’s celebration of Mass in Havana’s Revolution Square with the image of Che Guvara seeming to look down on the occasion, one cannot help but reflect upon an appearance by President Obama in 2009 at Georgetown University, the Catholic institution founded by the Jesuits, Francis’s own religious order.
It was there that President Obama, champion of abortion under all circumstances at all times, even post-birth, through his advance team, insisted that all symbols of religion be covered throughout the venue from which he spoke…and the university complied.
As earlier noted, Che must be smiling.
DLH
