Little-known book by pope outlines views, hopes for Cuba in criticizing Castro regime, embargo

In this photo provided by Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis is presented with a gift by Verona mayor Flavio Tosi, left, in the Sala Clementina of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho) (The Associated Press)

In this photo provided by Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, President of the Italian Olympic Committee Giovanni Malago', right, kisses Pope Francis' hands at the Vatican, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Pope Francis has given a papal thumbs up to Rome's bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics amid talk that the Vatican might host some events. But he is warning: "I won't be around." Francis, 78, met with members of the Italian Olympic Committee at the Vatican Friday for a Mass to mark their 100th anniversary. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano) (The Associated Press)

In this photo provided by Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis, left, holds a ball as he meets with members of the Italian Olympic Committee at the Vatican, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Pope Francis has given a papal thumbs up to Rome's bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics amid talk that the Vatican might host some events. But he is warning: "I won't be around." (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho) (The Associated Press)

A little-known book about Cuba by Jorge Mario Bergoglio — now Pope Francis — provides new insight into Francis' views on Cuban society, Marxism and the U.S. trade embargo that shaped his behind-the-scenes role in helping bring about the historic thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations.

Bergoglio compiled "Dialogues between John Paul II and Fidel Castro" in 1998, soon after the Polish pope's landmark visit to the communist island. Bergoglio attended the event but the Argentine cleric was clearly well versed in the issues before then, given the impact the Cold War had on the whole Latin American church.

In the booklet, Bergoglio denounces the U.S. embargo and economic isolation of Cuba but harshly criticizes socialism — and by extension Castro's atheist revolution — for denying individuals their "transcendent dignity."