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| Pope Francis arrives for Cuba visit before US tour – as it happened | Pope Francis arrives for Cuba visit before US tour – as it happened |
| (4 months later) | |
| 11.36pm BST | |
| 23:36 | |
| We are now closing down this blog, so here's where things stand at 6:30PM eastern time… | We are now closing down this blog, so here's where things stand at 6:30PM eastern time… |
| Updated | |
| at 11.45pm BST | |
| 11.30pm BST | |
| 23:30 | |
| More here from Stephanie Kirchgaessner about sweet treats presented to Pope Francis on the flight. | More here from Stephanie Kirchgaessner about sweet treats presented to Pope Francis on the flight. |
| Andrea Tornielli of La Stampa about the trip over. A journalist from Univision gave Francis a box of frozen empanadas that she had asked a top restaurant in Miami to prepare. The pope handed them to the Alitalia flight attendants, who warmed them up and distributed them among reporters. | Andrea Tornielli of La Stampa about the trip over. A journalist from Univision gave Francis a box of frozen empanadas that she had asked a top restaurant in Miami to prepare. The pope handed them to the Alitalia flight attendants, who warmed them up and distributed them among reporters. |
| It wasn’t the only gift. The pontiff was also treated to a recorded message from the daughter of a Mexican reporter; got a book that was dedicated to him; and was shown smartphone emoticons of his face with various funny expressions by a correspondent for Tv2000. Sweetest of all, he received some “dulce de leche”, a staple from his home in Argentina, from reporter Elisabetta Pique. | It wasn’t the only gift. The pontiff was also treated to a recorded message from the daughter of a Mexican reporter; got a book that was dedicated to him; and was shown smartphone emoticons of his face with various funny expressions by a correspondent for Tv2000. Sweetest of all, he received some “dulce de leche”, a staple from his home in Argentina, from reporter Elisabetta Pique. |
| 11.24pm BST | |
| 23:24 | |
| More from Jonathan Watts in the crowd: | More from Jonathan Watts in the crowd: |
| Standing in the Miramar district towards the end of the 18km route, flower shop owner Pedro luis Leyva said he had also seen john paul Ii and benedict xvi at the same spot. | Standing in the Miramar district towards the end of the 18km route, flower shop owner Pedro luis Leyva said he had also seen john paul Ii and benedict xvi at the same spot. |
| “But this is my favourite Pope. Francisco is more charismatic. He’s a better communicator. It’s great for the church to have a Latin American Pope “His daughter Leidy, who waved flags as the Pope passed, said the occasion was beautiful. “I’m very pleased to see the Pope in Cuba” | “But this is my favourite Pope. Francisco is more charismatic. He’s a better communicator. It’s great for the church to have a Latin American Pope “His daughter Leidy, who waved flags as the Pope passed, said the occasion was beautiful. “I’m very pleased to see the Pope in Cuba” |
| The Catholic Church in Cuba hope Francisco will help them reach out to new followers. That seemed to be the case for Margerita Marques. “I’m not catholic but everyone wants to see him. It’s the Pope!” | The Catholic Church in Cuba hope Francisco will help them reach out to new followers. That seemed to be the case for Margerita Marques. “I’m not catholic but everyone wants to see him. It’s the Pope!” |
| 11.16pm BST | |
| 23:16 | |
| Another great picture of Revolutionary Square, where Pope Francis will lead tomorrow’s mass: | Another great picture of Revolutionary Square, where Pope Francis will lead tomorrow’s mass: |
| Mañana a las 8 y 20 el #PapaFrancisco estará en la #PlazadelaRevolución, luego de recorrerla ofrecerá misa a cubanos pic.twitter.com/vYwCy1m1CT | Mañana a las 8 y 20 el #PapaFrancisco estará en la #PlazadelaRevolución, luego de recorrerla ofrecerá misa a cubanos pic.twitter.com/vYwCy1m1CT |
| 11.14pm BST | |
| 23:14 | |
| US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power tweeted critically of the Cuban regime for imprisoning human rights activists and the homeless on the eve of the Pope’s visit: | US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power tweeted critically of the Cuban regime for imprisoning human rights activists and the homeless on the eve of the Pope’s visit: |
| HR activists, @DamasdBlanco & even homeless reportedly detained before @Pontifex visit; disappointing business as usual for #Cuban govt | HR activists, @DamasdBlanco & even homeless reportedly detained before @Pontifex visit; disappointing business as usual for #Cuban govt |
| 11.12pm BST | |
| 23:12 | |
| The Guardian’s Jonathan Watts was in the crowds thronging the streets as the pope drove past. | The Guardian’s Jonathan Watts was in the crowds thronging the streets as the pope drove past. |
| Papal parade had something of a village fair atmosphere. None of the overbearing security when leaders travel through streets in London or New York. | Papal parade had something of a village fair atmosphere. None of the overbearing security when leaders travel through streets in London or New York. |
| Crowds three deep flanked sides of road waving flags of Cuba and Vatican. Cheered as Francisco passed by, waving and beaming. He looked like a man who enjoys that part of his job. | Crowds three deep flanked sides of road waving flags of Cuba and Vatican. Cheered as Francisco passed by, waving and beaming. He looked like a man who enjoys that part of his job. |
| Con amor y mucho respeto recibe el pueblo de #cuba al #PapaFrancisco pic.twitter.com/1FJEKyeKWq | Con amor y mucho respeto recibe el pueblo de #cuba al #PapaFrancisco pic.twitter.com/1FJEKyeKWq |
| 11.06pm BST | |
| 23:06 | |
| It is interesting to consider the enormous security operation in effect to protect the pope on a trip like this. Last month, a 15-year-old in the United States was arrested for plotting an “ISIS-inspired” assassination attempt against Pope Francis during his visit. | It is interesting to consider the enormous security operation in effect to protect the pope on a trip like this. Last month, a 15-year-old in the United States was arrested for plotting an “ISIS-inspired” assassination attempt against Pope Francis during his visit. |
| “With days to go before Pope Francis’ visit, law enforcement agencies have been dealing with the daunting task of securing travel routes and event sites, which, according to a threat assessment by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, are attractive targets for terror groups like ISIS and al Qaeda,” CNN reported on Friday. | “With days to go before Pope Francis’ visit, law enforcement agencies have been dealing with the daunting task of securing travel routes and event sites, which, according to a threat assessment by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, are attractive targets for terror groups like ISIS and al Qaeda,” CNN reported on Friday. |
| 11.00pm BST | |
| 23:00 | |
| Some pictures from earlier today, when Pope Francis spoke to reporters on board his plane en route to Havana. | Some pictures from earlier today, when Pope Francis spoke to reporters on board his plane en route to Havana. |
| Earlier, flying with #PopeFrancis to Cuba. pic.twitter.com/e443Rj6x6B | Earlier, flying with #PopeFrancis to Cuba. pic.twitter.com/e443Rj6x6B |
| #PapaEnCuba or at least on the way meets @CatholicNewsSvc photog Paul Haring pic.twitter.com/r2sfV940Ap | #PapaEnCuba or at least on the way meets @CatholicNewsSvc photog Paul Haring pic.twitter.com/r2sfV940Ap |
| 10.51pm BST | |
| 22:51 | |
| A dispatch from Guardian correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome: | A dispatch from Guardian correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome: |
| Writing for La Stampa, the longtime Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli revealed a few more details about the long flight from Rome to Havana. The pope told journalists on board that he was emotional because one of two refugee families that have been welcomed at the parish of St Anna in the Vatican had met with him to bid him farewell before his departure. The pontiff said he could see “the pain and the word peace” in their faces. | Writing for La Stampa, the longtime Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli revealed a few more details about the long flight from Rome to Havana. The pope told journalists on board that he was emotional because one of two refugee families that have been welcomed at the parish of St Anna in the Vatican had met with him to bid him farewell before his departure. The pontiff said he could see “the pain and the word peace” in their faces. |
| Read more about the family here. | Read more about the family here. |
| 10.42pm BST | |
| 22:42 | |
| The AFP news agency have spoken to Aleida Guevara, daughter of the Argentinian revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, who fought alongside Fidel Castro in the Cuban revolution. | The AFP news agency have spoken to Aleida Guevara, daughter of the Argentinian revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, who fought alongside Fidel Castro in the Cuban revolution. |
| Guevara, a renowned paediatrician and expert on public health, said that she will not be attending the outdoor Mass to be celebrated on Sunday by Pope Francis in Havana’s revolution square, which is dominated by an image of Guevara’s father. | Guevara, a renowned paediatrician and expert on public health, said that she will not be attending the outdoor Mass to be celebrated on Sunday by Pope Francis in Havana’s revolution square, which is dominated by an image of Guevara’s father. |
| “The Cuban Communist Party has asked us militants to go to the mass, to welcome the pope; it’s like practically like homework for the party, which I don’t completely agree with,” she told the agency. “I’m not going to the mass because it would be hypocritical for me. What am I going to do stood there for hours and hours? No, no,” she said. | “The Cuban Communist Party has asked us militants to go to the mass, to welcome the pope; it’s like practically like homework for the party, which I don’t completely agree with,” she told the agency. “I’m not going to the mass because it would be hypocritical for me. What am I going to do stood there for hours and hours? No, no,” she said. |
| 10.33pm BST | |
| 22:33 | |
| Cubans from around the country have been glued to the Pope’s arrival on television. Photographers from Getty Images visited them and captured these intimate family moments. | Cubans from around the country have been glued to the Pope’s arrival on television. Photographers from Getty Images visited them and captured these intimate family moments. |
| 10.24pm BST | |
| 22:24 | |
| The Associated Press reports from the crowds thronging the road to Havana as Pope Francis travels from the airport after his long flight: | The Associated Press reports from the crowds thronging the road to Havana as Pope Francis travels from the airport after his long flight: |
| Thousands of people lined the road into Havana from the airport, which was decked out with giant posters of the pope. | Thousands of people lined the road into Havana from the airport, which was decked out with giant posters of the pope. |
| “We hope God will help us and that when his holiness goes to the United States, he can be our advocate,” said 32-year-old Yudelkis Geigel. | “We hope God will help us and that when his holiness goes to the United States, he can be our advocate,” said 32-year-old Yudelkis Geigel. |
| “He’s Latin American, he’s Argentine, he feels for us and our need to end this blockade,” she said - the word commonly used here for the US embargo on Cuba. | “He’s Latin American, he’s Argentine, he feels for us and our need to end this blockade,” she said - the word commonly used here for the US embargo on Cuba. |
| El pueblo saluda #ElPapaEnCuba con banderas cubanas y del Vaticano. #Cuba #PapaFrancisco #SantiagodeCuba pic.twitter.com/L0y5MvmdUe | El pueblo saluda #ElPapaEnCuba con banderas cubanas y del Vaticano. #Cuba #PapaFrancisco #SantiagodeCuba pic.twitter.com/L0y5MvmdUe |
| 10.14pm BST | |
| 22:14 | |
| More on the thorny issue of Cuban dissidents, from Candida R. Moss, professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame. “The references to freedom, openness to the world, and those Francis is unable to meet ‘for various reasons’ in Cuba are veiled allusions to political prisoners,” she tells the Guardian. | More on the thorny issue of Cuban dissidents, from Candida R. Moss, professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame. “The references to freedom, openness to the world, and those Francis is unable to meet ‘for various reasons’ in Cuba are veiled allusions to political prisoners,” she tells the Guardian. |
| These gestures to oppression in Cuba are a far cry from the blunt directness that we are used to from the Pope and are sure to disappoint some. But this softly-softly approach has served the Vatican well in communist Cuba. | These gestures to oppression in Cuba are a far cry from the blunt directness that we are used to from the Pope and are sure to disappoint some. But this softly-softly approach has served the Vatican well in communist Cuba. |
| Francis referred to the visits of his predecessors in his speech and it is true that after John Paul II’s visit to Cuba the people were permitted to celebrate Easter and after Benedict XVI’s the observation of Good Friday was also allowed. It was the behind the scenes maneuverings of the Vatican that secured the release of 3522 prisoners in advance of the Pope’s visit. | Francis referred to the visits of his predecessors in his speech and it is true that after John Paul II’s visit to Cuba the people were permitted to celebrate Easter and after Benedict XVI’s the observation of Good Friday was also allowed. It was the behind the scenes maneuverings of the Vatican that secured the release of 3522 prisoners in advance of the Pope’s visit. |
| Bold words may grab the attention of the world’s media, but in Cuba the path to progress is travelled in small steps.Francis’s willingness to show restraint demonstrates his political savvy and willingness to meet not only people, but also political regimes ‘where they are’” | Bold words may grab the attention of the world’s media, but in Cuba the path to progress is travelled in small steps.Francis’s willingness to show restraint demonstrates his political savvy and willingness to meet not only people, but also political regimes ‘where they are’” |
| Raul Castro’s words, by contrast, illustrate the manner in which Francis’s words on social justice, wealth inequality, and, in particular, the environment can be taken up and used by the leaders of oppressive communist regimes as well as capitalist ones. This will be music to the ears of conservative critics of Francis, who have accused him of being a naive socialist. | Raul Castro’s words, by contrast, illustrate the manner in which Francis’s words on social justice, wealth inequality, and, in particular, the environment can be taken up and used by the leaders of oppressive communist regimes as well as capitalist ones. This will be music to the ears of conservative critics of Francis, who have accused him of being a naive socialist. |
| What this actually illustrates is the way that Francis’s popularity and moral authority give his words a kind of scriptural quality. They become a touch point and ideological resource for everyone: right and left; conservative or liberal; communist or capitalist. This kind of authority is unparalleled and is something that political leaders will seek to harness for themselves in the coming ten days” | What this actually illustrates is the way that Francis’s popularity and moral authority give his words a kind of scriptural quality. They become a touch point and ideological resource for everyone: right and left; conservative or liberal; communist or capitalist. This kind of authority is unparalleled and is something that political leaders will seek to harness for themselves in the coming ten days” |
| 10.11pm BST | |
| 22:11 | |
| Over at the Washington Post, writer David Montgomery met several of the many Cuban-Americans making the pilgrimage back to Cuba for Pope Francis’ visit. | Over at the Washington Post, writer David Montgomery met several of the many Cuban-Americans making the pilgrimage back to Cuba for Pope Francis’ visit. |
| For some, such as Bernardo and Maria Perdices, who journeyed to Miami from the suburbs of Los Angeles, Francis’s visit is the stroke that persuaded them, finally, to visit their homeland for the first time since they left nearly 50 years ago. | For some, such as Bernardo and Maria Perdices, who journeyed to Miami from the suburbs of Los Angeles, Francis’s visit is the stroke that persuaded them, finally, to visit their homeland for the first time since they left nearly 50 years ago. |
| “It was hard to make the decision, but I think the time has come,” Bernardo said. | “It was hard to make the decision, but I think the time has come,” Bernardo said. |
| You can read the whole piece here. | You can read the whole piece here. |
| 10.08pm BST | |
| 22:08 | |
| This tweet from Alitalia shows the view from the door of Pope Francis’ plane. | This tweet from Alitalia shows the view from the door of Pope Francis’ plane. |
| Il Santo Padre all'arrivo a L'Avana #ElPapaEnCuba #ElpapaFrancisco @Pontifex_it pic.twitter.com/u3axNpmXrk | Il Santo Padre all'arrivo a L'Avana #ElPapaEnCuba #ElpapaFrancisco @Pontifex_it pic.twitter.com/u3axNpmXrk |
| 10.06pm BST | |
| 22:06 | |
| A quick reminder that as the Pope travels first around Cuba, and then to the United States, you can follow his movements with the Guardian’s Pope Tracker interactive. | A quick reminder that as the Pope travels first around Cuba, and then to the United States, you can follow his movements with the Guardian’s Pope Tracker interactive. |
| 10.03pm BST | |
| 22:03 | |
| Pope Francis is now en route to Havana in a convoy. He is joined in a modified version of his “Popemobile” by Cardinal Ortega. | Pope Francis is now en route to Havana in a convoy. He is joined in a modified version of his “Popemobile” by Cardinal Ortega. |
| 10.01pm BST | |
| 22:01 | |
| Some on social media are pointing out that when Pope Francis said “I would like ... my greeting ... to embrace especially all those who, for various reasons, I will not be able to meet,” it may have been a subtle nod to political prisoners and dissidents incarcerated by Castro’s regime. | Some on social media are pointing out that when Pope Francis said “I would like ... my greeting ... to embrace especially all those who, for various reasons, I will not be able to meet,” it may have been a subtle nod to political prisoners and dissidents incarcerated by Castro’s regime. |
| @Pontifex makes a reference to all those Cubans he cannot meet "for various reasons". Sometimes veiled references are very veiled. | @Pontifex makes a reference to all those Cubans he cannot meet "for various reasons". Sometimes veiled references are very veiled. |
| At the same time, some opposition activists have been tweeting that their movements and communication have been tightly controlled in the run the Papal visit. | At the same time, some opposition activists have been tweeting that their movements and communication have been tightly controlled in the run the Papal visit. |
| The Ladies in White – a dissident group whose white-clad members silently parade for greater civil liberties after church each Sunday – tweeted that their headquarters in Havana was being closely watched by the Department of State Security or DSE. | The Ladies in White – a dissident group whose white-clad members silently parade for greater civil liberties after church each Sunday – tweeted that their headquarters in Havana was being closely watched by the Department of State Security or DSE. |
| La sede de @DamasdBlanco en Municipio Lawton , #Habana estrechamente vigilada por #DSE | La sede de @DamasdBlanco en Municipio Lawton , #Habana estrechamente vigilada por #DSE |
| The group’s leader, Berta Soler said that 17 of their members had been “arrested and threatend by the DSE” | The group’s leader, Berta Soler said that 17 of their members had been “arrested and threatend by the DSE” |
| Ya son 17 @damasdblanco q fueron arrestadas y amenazadas por el DSE | Ya son 17 @damasdblanco q fueron arrestadas y amenazadas por el DSE |
| In a series of tweets, dissident activist Carlos Oliverra said that he had woken up on Saturday to find his house surrounded by political police, who stopped him and his wife going to mass. | In a series of tweets, dissident activist Carlos Oliverra said that he had woken up on Saturday to find his house surrounded by political police, who stopped him and his wife going to mass. |
| “Every time that there is Papal visit to Cuba, the only thing we get is more repression, arrests (and) persecution by the Castro regime,” he tweeted | “Every time that there is Papal visit to Cuba, the only thing we get is more repression, arrests (and) persecution by the Castro regime,” he tweeted |
| Tenernos presos en nuestra propia casa antes y durante estancia del @Pontifex_es en #Cuba es la estrategia dl régimen totalitario castrista | Tenernos presos en nuestra propia casa antes y durante estancia del @Pontifex_es en #Cuba es la estrategia dl régimen totalitario castrista |
| 9.50pm BST | |
| 21:50 | |
| Some quick thoughts on the political nature of Castro’s speech from Guardian correspondent Jonathan Watts: | Some quick thoughts on the political nature of Castro’s speech from Guardian correspondent Jonathan Watts: |
| Raul Castro’s speech highlighted the challenges ahead for US-Cuba reconciliation. While expressing gratitude to the pope for his role in facilitating the dialogue, the Cuban president stressed that this should only be a first step. He also demanded the US lifts its economic embargo and return the “territory usurped by the Guantanamo Naval Base”. | Raul Castro’s speech highlighted the challenges ahead for US-Cuba reconciliation. While expressing gratitude to the pope for his role in facilitating the dialogue, the Cuban president stressed that this should only be a first step. He also demanded the US lifts its economic embargo and return the “territory usurped by the Guantanamo Naval Base”. |
| The ideological differences between the two sides were also apparent in his strong criticism of globalised capital and consumer society. | The ideological differences between the two sides were also apparent in his strong criticism of globalised capital and consumer society. |
| 9.48pm BST | |
| 21:48 | |
| Pope Francis only departed once from the pre-prepared remarks that had been circulated to journalists before his arrival. | Pope Francis only departed once from the pre-prepared remarks that had been circulated to journalists before his arrival. |
| The departure was a dramatic call to pray, saying the world needed reconciliation because of conflicts which were “like a third world war in stages”. He did not elaborate, but journalists on his 12-hour flight said he had expressed concern about the global situation. | The departure was a dramatic call to pray, saying the world needed reconciliation because of conflicts which were “like a third world war in stages”. He did not elaborate, but journalists on his 12-hour flight said he had expressed concern about the global situation. |
| According to the Italian daily, La Repubblica, the Pope said: “I believe that the world is thirsty for peace.” He cited “wars, migrants, and the wave of people that are fleeing wars and fleeing death”. | According to the Italian daily, La Repubblica, the Pope said: “I believe that the world is thirsty for peace.” He cited “wars, migrants, and the wave of people that are fleeing wars and fleeing death”. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.04pm BST | |
| 9.45pm BST | |
| 21:45 | |
| Earlier, President Obama spoke on the phone with Raul Castro. From the White House press pool: | Earlier, President Obama spoke on the phone with Raul Castro. From the White House press pool: |
| President Obama today spoke by phone with President Raul Castro of Cuba to discuss the process of normalization between the two countries in advance of Pope Francis’s upcoming visits to Cuba and the United States. The President underscored the importance of the United States and Cuba re-establishing diplomatic ties and the reopening of embassies in our respective countries. | President Obama today spoke by phone with President Raul Castro of Cuba to discuss the process of normalization between the two countries in advance of Pope Francis’s upcoming visits to Cuba and the United States. The President underscored the importance of the United States and Cuba re-establishing diplomatic ties and the reopening of embassies in our respective countries. |
| The two Presidents commended the role that Pope Francis has played in advancing relations between our countries. They noted the cooperation between U.S. and Cuban medical professionals during the U.S. Naval Ship COMFORT’s visit to Haiti this week. | The two Presidents commended the role that Pope Francis has played in advancing relations between our countries. They noted the cooperation between U.S. and Cuban medical professionals during the U.S. Naval Ship COMFORT’s visit to Haiti this week. |
| In addition, the leaders discussed steps that the United States and Cuba can take, together and individually, to advance bilateral cooperation, even as we will continue to have differences on important issues and will address those differences candidly. | In addition, the leaders discussed steps that the United States and Cuba can take, together and individually, to advance bilateral cooperation, even as we will continue to have differences on important issues and will address those differences candidly. |
| 9.42pm BST | |
| 21:42 | |
| An Associated Press photographer captured the moment when the wind carried off Pope Francis’ cap as he de-planed. | An Associated Press photographer captured the moment when the wind carried off Pope Francis’ cap as he de-planed. |
| 9.39pm BST | |
| 21:39 | |
| Pope Francis has concluded his remarks. He’s now greeting cardinals alongside Castro. | Pope Francis has concluded his remarks. He’s now greeting cardinals alongside Castro. |
| Along the road to Havana, crowds gather to watch the pope go by. | Along the road to Havana, crowds gather to watch the pope go by. |
| Crowds in Havana wait to greet #PopeFrancis as he begins trip to Cuba #PopeinCuba pic.twitter.com/FW7oG2725h | Crowds in Havana wait to greet #PopeFrancis as he begins trip to Cuba #PopeinCuba pic.twitter.com/FW7oG2725h |
| 9.36pm BST | |
| 21:36 | |
| Pope Francis, continuing his remarks, talks about the political rapprochement between Cuba and the US in which he played such a crucial role. | Pope Francis, continuing his remarks, talks about the political rapprochement between Cuba and the US in which he played such a crucial role. |
| For some months now, we have witnessed an event which fills us with hope: the process of normalizing relations between two peoples following years of estrangement. It is a sign of the victory of the culture of encounter and dialogue, ‘the system of universal growth’ over ‘the forever-dead system of groups and dynasties’. | For some months now, we have witnessed an event which fills us with hope: the process of normalizing relations between two peoples following years of estrangement. It is a sign of the victory of the culture of encounter and dialogue, ‘the system of universal growth’ over ‘the forever-dead system of groups and dynasties’. |
| I urge political leaders to persevere on this path and to develop all its potentialities as a proof of the high service which they are called to carry out on behalf of the peace and well-being of their peoples, of all America, and as an example of reconciliation for the entire world. | I urge political leaders to persevere on this path and to develop all its potentialities as a proof of the high service which they are called to carry out on behalf of the peace and well-being of their peoples, of all America, and as an example of reconciliation for the entire world. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.44pm BST | |
| 9.33pm BST | |
| 21:33 | |
| This Apostolic Journey also coincides with the first centenary of Pope Benedict XV’s declaration of our Lady of Charity of El Cobre as Patroness of Cuba. It was the veterans of the War of Independence who, moved by sentiments of faith and patriotism, wanted the Virgen mambisa to be the patroness of Cuba as a free and sovereign nation. Since that time she has accompanied the history of the Cuban people, sustaining the hope which preserves people’s dignity in the most difficult situations and championing the promotion of all that gives dignity to the human person. The growing devotion to the Virgin is a visible testimony of her presence in the soul of the Cuban people. | This Apostolic Journey also coincides with the first centenary of Pope Benedict XV’s declaration of our Lady of Charity of El Cobre as Patroness of Cuba. It was the veterans of the War of Independence who, moved by sentiments of faith and patriotism, wanted the Virgen mambisa to be the patroness of Cuba as a free and sovereign nation. Since that time she has accompanied the history of the Cuban people, sustaining the hope which preserves people’s dignity in the most difficult situations and championing the promotion of all that gives dignity to the human person. The growing devotion to the Virgin is a visible testimony of her presence in the soul of the Cuban people. |
| 9.32pm BST | |
| 21:32 | |
| He thanks President Castro, Cardinal Ortega, and the assembled cardinals and diplomats. | He thanks President Castro, Cardinal Ortega, and the assembled cardinals and diplomats. |
| I would ask you to convey my sentiments of particular respect and consideration to your brother Fidel. | I would ask you to convey my sentiments of particular respect and consideration to your brother Fidel. |
| This year of 2015 marks the eightieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Holy See. Providence today enables me to come to this beloved nation, following the indelible path opened by the unforgettable apostolic journeys which my two predecessors, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI, made to this island. | This year of 2015 marks the eightieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Holy See. Providence today enables me to come to this beloved nation, following the indelible path opened by the unforgettable apostolic journeys which my two predecessors, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI, made to this island. |
| 9.29pm BST | |
| 21:29 | |
| Pope Francis is speaking now. | Pope Francis is speaking now. |