Senator Marco Rubio (R., Fla.,) suggested that Pope Francis should “take up the cause of freedom” in support of the Cuban people.
“I would also ask His Holiness to take up the cause of freedom and democracy,” Rubio, a Roman Catholic, told reporters at the Capitol when asked if the pope’s role in the Cuban negotiations influenced his view of the deal.
“I think the people of Cuba deserve the same chances to have democracy as the people of Argentina have had, where he comes from — as the people of Italy have, where he now lives,” Rubio continued.
The Florida lawmaker said that it was his understanding that the pope only weighed in on the release of American aid worker Alan Gross, who was officially released on humanitarian grounds.