Pope Benedict XVI will visit the communist island of Cuba next week. But while there, the Catholic leader has no plans to visit Cuban dissidents who are fighting for freedom from the Castro regime.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), born to Cuban immigrants, told us in an exclusive interview Wednesday that the pope should make time to see dissidents. Rubio was at Heritage to promote freedom in Cuba, particularly as it relates to technology and Internet access.

>> Watch video from the event, “Cuba Needs a (Technological) Revolution”

The event, cosponsored by Google Ideas, shed light on the totalitarian practices carried out in Cuba. Rubio said the introduction of technology would usher in a new era for the Cuban people and topple Cuba’s ailing dictator Fidel Castro and little brother Raul Castro, the country’s president.

In the interview, Rubio shared this thoughts on Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget proposal, the second anniversary of President Obama’s health care law and the ongoing debate over religious liberty. He also discussed why he’s a conservative, a topic covered in his forthcoming memoir, “An American Son,” which will be published in June.

The interview runs about five minutes. Hosted by Rob Bluey and produced by Brandon Stewart. For more videos from Heritage, subscribe to our YouTube channel.