Fidel Castro has reportedly suffered an embolic stroke … and his health is so bad, the 86-year-old former leader of Cuba can barely eat, speak or recognize people.

The news is being reported by El Nuevo Herald, which says it spoke with Jose Marquina — “a respected doctor” who assured the paper he has firsthand sources and information about Castro.

The doctor told the Herald, “[Castro] could last weeks like that, but what I can say is that we’ll never again see him in public.”

The last time Castro was seen out in public was back in March — when Pope Benedict XVI visited Cuba.