EXILES WARY OF CASTRO.

Byline: Eric Wahlgren Daily News Staff Writer

While the isle of Cuba is all abuzz with the arrival of Pope John Paul II, exiles who gathered Tuesday at another Cuban island of sorts - Porto's Bakery in Glendale - were more skeptical of the historic trip.

As Ricardo Rollon breezed into the Cuban hangout to pick up some sweets, the 64-year-old exile said he doubted that the pontiff's tour would lead to any reforms in the communist country.

``I don't know why the pope would go over there,'' said Rollon, who fled Cuba in 1968 after Castro gained power. ``Whether the pope goes or not, Castro will continue to be the same.''

Betty Porto, whose family owns the Brand Boulevard eatery, said many Cubans locally harbor a great mistrust of Castro and fear that the longstanding leader has ulterior motives for encouraging the pope to visit the island.

But Porto, 40, said the papal journey should boost press coverage of the relatively closed society and could help kindle a greater interest in religion.

``A lot of young people there are looking for inspiration,'' said Porto, who left the island with her family when she was 13.