Fidel Castro’s new pictures raise speculation that his health was failing

Cuba has published the first photographs of former President Fidel Castro since last August, amid new speculation that his health was failing.

The photos, published Monday in the Communist Party newspaper Granma, depicted the 88-year Castro talking to a student leader at his home, which the newspaper said was taken last month.  A Brazilian theologian who met with Castro last month said he found the ex-leader thin, but in good health and lucid.

Fidel Castro relinquished power in 2006 to his younger brother Raul due to poor health, and has made infrequent public appearances and statements over the years.  His last public appearance was more than a year ago.

The elder Castro recently broke a lengthy silence on the historic announcement made last December by his brother and President Barack Obama that Havana and Washington would end over 50 years of Cold War-era hostility and restore diplomatic ties.

Fidel Castro said he did not oppose the recent diplomatic breakthrough.

VOA