Juan Pablo II and Fidel in Havana city. Photo: AP

Pope John Paul II told the current Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone,  that Fidel Castro was perhaps the  most conscientious and thoroughly prepared president to receive him.

Bertone relates this in his book "Un cuore grande, Omaggio a Giovanni Paolo II " (A Mighty Heart. Homage to John Paul II), published by the Vatican Library, which will be released soon, reports CubaDebate.

With this book, of which today the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano advanced a few chapters, pays homage to Pope Wojtyla prior to his beatification on May 1.

John Paul II visited Cuba from January 21 to 25 1998 on a historic journey, in which he crossed the island and met with Fidel Castro.

"Fidel Castro showed affection for the pope, who was already ill, and John Paul II told me that possibly no head of state had been so thoroughly prepared for a visit by a pontiff," says Bertone in his book.

Fidel, continues Bertone, had read the encyclicals and major speeches of John Paul II and even some of his poetry.

Translated by: Daysi Olano

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