[kstewskis]

Pope Benedict XVI meets with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (L) during a private audience at the Vatican May 11, 2006. Chavez arrived in the Italian capital Wednesday to meet politicians and Pope Benedict XVI during his first stop in a tour of five countries in Europe and North Africa. (Catholic Press Photo/Pool)

This photo disturbs me some. Chavez is an avowed Communist, no? Atheist? I hope it is because of my blind ignorance, but anyone know what Chavez's objective was in having a private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI?

[Nihil Obstat]

"I hope it is because of my blind ignorance, but anyone know what Chavez's objective was in having a private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI?"

He wanted a photo op to show on all the media that he controls, but it won't work. The Church is the only critic he can't silence. Cardinal Castillo is one of hte good cardinals and has been Chavez's most outspoken adversary. Castillo won't be intimidated. Wish we had some cardinals like him.

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