Pope Francis — now adding Cuba to his pre-USA-visit itinerary — surely has heard Castro-toadying Havana cardinal Jaime Ortega’s repeated claim that there are no political prisoners in Cuba. So His Holiness will no doubt be surprised when he receives this very troubling letter from Osvaldo Rodríguez Acosta, who languishes in Quivicán Prison, where he has been tortured numerous times and is currently incarcerated. As is his eldest son, Osvaldo.

His wife, Juana, and his youngest son, the twelve-year-old Christian, were also arrested at their home in 2012, “beaten without mercy and left unconscious on the floor, along with me and my oldest son,” courtesy of State Security goons.

Acosta’s letter, translated by the great Yale historian, Carlos Eire, ends: “Your Excellency, may Our Lord allow you to expose the injustices to which we are subjected and to demand that we be freed immediately, especially because we have not committed any crime. I and my family thank you in advance for any effort you may make toward freeing us.”

Indeed. What will Francis do? Hat tip to our friends at Babalublog.com.