Dalia Soto del Valle, widow of the former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, made an appearance at an event held this week to commemorate the anniversary of the publication of the book "Fidel and Religion" by the Brazilian friar Frei Betto, a figure aligned with the Cuban government.
The event, reported by the state-run Canal Caribe, served as a platform for a new symbolic handover of the book, regarded by official media as the first "biography" of the revolutionary leader published after 1959.
The meeting was attended by religious representatives from various denominations, including Frei Betto himself, who advocated for the value of the work as a tool for dialogue between believers and non-believers in the Cuban context.
During the event, Betto emphasized his personal closeness to Fidel Castro and recalled that the former leader always showed interest in the content of the book, first published in May 1985, right in the midst of the peak of state atheism. Betto stated that Castro regarded the text as a shared creation between them.
Soto del Valle, whose presence in public spaces has been limited since Castro's death in 2016, was seen on this occasion in a discreet manner, not in the front row of the auditorium but accompanied by the children she had with the dictator.
The image shows her dressed in a yellow blouse and a dark hat, with her face partially covered by a mask hanging from her neck, observing the event with a calm expression.
Fidel and Religion is an extensive dialogue between the dictator and the Dominican friar about faith, ethics, and the role of religion in socialist Cuba. Its publication marked a discursive shift in the regime's relations with religious sectors, following decades of repression, surveillance, and institutional intolerance towards churches and organized beliefs.
The reissue of the text occurs at a time when the regime is facing criticism from independent religious leaders. Priest Alberto Reyes has denounced the lack of freedoms and fundamental rights on the island, pointing out that the government maintains control through fear and lies.
Furthermore, the Alliance of Christians of Cuba has denounced the deterioration of rights and religious repression in the country.
Even restrictions on public religious expressions have been reported, such as the censorship of processions during Holy Week. These actions have been interpreted as attempts by the regime to limit religious freedom and control expressions of faith on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dalia Soto del Valle's appearance and the book event "Fidel and Religion"
Who is Dalia Soto del Valle and why is her emergence significant?
Dalia Soto del Valle is the widow of Fidel Castro, the former Cuban dictator. Her appearance is significant as she has maintained a low profile since Castro's death in 2016, and her presence at public events is rare, which generates interest in the current Cuban political context.
What is the book "Fidel and Religion" and what is its significance?
"Fidel and Religion" is a book that captures a dialogue between Fidel Castro and the Brazilian friar Frei Betto. First published in 1985, the book is regarded as an important work because it marked a shift in the Cuban regime's discourse towards religions, in a context of state atheism. Its reissue is especially relevant amidst the current criticisms from religious leaders towards the regime concerning the lack of freedoms in Cuba.
How has the book "Fidel and Religion" influenced the relationship between the Cuban regime and religions?
The book "Fidel and Religion" opened a dialogue between the Cuban regime and religious communities. After decades of repression against churches, the work is seen as an attempt to present a more tolerant image of the regime towards faith, although current criticisms emphasize that religious repression persists on the island, as denounced by priest Alberto Reyes.
What criticisms has Father Alberto Reyes made about the religious situation in Cuba?
Priest Alberto Reyes has harshly criticized the Cuban regime for the lack of religious freedoms. He has pointed out that the government maintains control through fear and deceit, affecting freedom of expression and religious practice on the island. Reyes emphasizes the restrictions on expressions of faith and the repression faced by independent religious leaders.
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