This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-34307121

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Cuba: Pope Francis celebrates Mass before thousands Cuba: Pope Francis meets Fidel Castro after Havana mass
(about 2 hours later)
Pope Francis has celebrated Mass in front of tens of thousands of people in the Cuban capital Havana, on his first visit to the Communist-ruled island. Pope Francis has met Cuba's former President, Fidel Castro, after celebrating mass in front of tens of thousands of people in Havana.
President Raul Castro, not a practising Catholic, attended the event in city's iconic Revolution Square. The two men discussed world affairs and religion, in what the Vatican called an "informal and friendly" encounter.
Later the Pope also met the leader's brother and predecessor, Fidel Castro. Before the meeting, Pope Francis gave a homily in which he urged Cubans to serve each other rather than ideology.
Pope Francis, who is at the start of his Cuba and US trip, has been credited with helping the recent thaw in diplomatic ties between both countries. It is the first visit by the Pope to the Communist-ruled island, on a trip that will later take him to the US.
After his arrival on Saturday, he hailed improving ties between the two countries as "an example of reconciliation for the whole world". Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi described the meeting between Pope Francis and Fidel Castro, which took place at the former Cuban leader's home, as low-key.
But he also urged both Cuba and the US to "persevere on the path" of detente. They exchanged books: Pope Francis gave Mr Castro three titles, including a book of sermons by Mr Castro's former teacher, while in return the Pope received Fidel and Religion, a collection of interviews with a Brazilian priest.
Mother tongue Earlier in the day, thousands streamed into Havana's Revolution Square to hear the Pope.
Security services were seen arresting at least three people who were shouting and attempting to distribute flyers at the edge of Revolution Square as the Mass got under way. Security services were seen arresting at least three people who were shouting and attempting to distribute flyers at the edge of the square as the Mass got under way.
On his way to the service Pope Francis stopped to greet some of the thousands who had come out to see him. During his homily the Pope spoke of how "Christians are constantly called to set aside their own wishes and desires, their pursuit of power, and to look instead to those who are most vulnerable".
During his homily he said that "Christians are constantly called to set aside their own wishes and desires, their pursuit of power, and to look instead to those who are most vulnerable". He also warned against ideology, saying: "Service is never ideological, for we do not serve ideas, we serve people".
After the Mass Pope Francis met Fidel Castro at his house in Havana for about 30 minutes. The two men exchanged books as gifts, according the the Vatican.
At the scene: the BBC's Will GrantAt the scene: the BBC's Will Grant
From my vantage point, it's hard to gauge exactly how many people filled the enormous Revolution Square in Havana, but their enthusiasm was clear to everyone watching. From my vantage point, it was hard to gauge exactly how many people filled the enormous Revolution Square in Havana, but their enthusiasm was clear to everyone watching.
The Pope was greeted by thousands in good voice and high spirits, despite the suffocating Caribbean heat.The Pope was greeted by thousands in good voice and high spirits, despite the suffocating Caribbean heat.
It was a rare sight: the iconography of revolution such as the huge cast-iron Che Guevara mural juxtaposed against the images of religion, including a vast huge picture of Jesus Christ. Or Raul Castro embracing Pope Francis. It was a rare sight - the iconography of revolution such as the huge cast-iron Che Guevara mural juxtaposed against the images of religion, including a vast huge picture of Jesus Christ. Or Raul Castro embracing Pope Francis.
Once again, it felt like evidence that times are changing on the communist island.Once again, it felt like evidence that times are changing on the communist island.
In terms of his homily, the Pope discussed ideas of brotherhood and unity but the more overt political message was aimed not at Cuba, but Colombia.In terms of his homily, the Pope discussed ideas of brotherhood and unity but the more overt political message was aimed not at Cuba, but Colombia.
He urged the Colombian government and the left-wing Farc rebel group to persevere with the talks being held in Havana, saying they could not allow "another failure on the path of peace and reconciliation".He urged the Colombian government and the left-wing Farc rebel group to persevere with the talks being held in Havana, saying they could not allow "another failure on the path of peace and reconciliation".
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, president of the Pope's native Argentina, also attended. Cuba's President Raul Castro, who is not a practicing Catholic, attended, as did Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, president of the Pope's native Argentina.
It is not clear to what extent - if any - Pope Francis will address in public the issue of political freedom with either Raul or his brother, says the BBC's Julian Miglierini in Havana.
The Pope praised improved co-operation between the Cuban government and the Church on Saturday, but called for the Church in Cuba to have "the freedom and the means" to pursue its mission.The Pope praised improved co-operation between the Cuban government and the Church on Saturday, but called for the Church in Cuba to have "the freedom and the means" to pursue its mission.
Both his predecessors, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, visited the island during their papacy.Both his predecessors, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, visited the island during their papacy.
Francis's trip will later take him to the US, which he will also be visiting for the first time since his election. Pope Francis is due to fly to Washington on Tuesday. He has been credited with helping the recent thaw in diplomatic ties between Cuba and the US.
After his arrival on Saturday, he hailed improving ties between the two countries as "an example of reconciliation for the whole world".
But he also urged both Cuba and the US to "persevere on the path" of detente.