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Pope Francis in Cuba: pontiff to hold mass in Holguín's Revolution Square - live Pope Francis in Cuba: pontiff holds mass in Holguín's Revolution Square - live
(35 minutes later)
4.33pm BST16:33
My colleague Angela Bruno writes:
Associated Press reporter Christine Armario is on the ground with the Cuban pueblo. In these Instagram posts, she meets Berta Luísa Fernández in Holguín.
Berta tells the a familiar story for many Cubans: that of separation from family members in the US – who she’s only seen twice in the last 40 years.
The good news: Today she will be reunited with her cousin from Miami, who, after a 14-hour drive from Havana to Holguín, has arrived in time for Pope Francis’ mass.
Berta says, “ I waited for them with a lot of love … and everything has turned out well.”
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The assembled crowd is now partaking in communion.
4.22pm BST16:22
Today marks a special day for Pope Francis, according to the Associated Press: the anniversary of the day he decided, as a teenager, to become a priest.
On Sept. 21, 1953, when Jorge Mario Bergoglio was 17, he went to confession at his parish church in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires. During his confession, he later wrote, he “realized God was waiting for me” and decided to enter the priesthood.
Bergoglio wouldn’t enter the seminary for several more years, but Sept. 21 the feast of St. Matthew has remained a crucial reference point for the pope. His motto Miserando atque eligendo (Having had mercy, he called him) is inspired by the feast day.
4.18pm BST16:18
Pope Francis holds mass in Revolutionary Square
After giving a homily on one of his favoured topics, mercy, on the Feast of St. Matthew, Pope Francis performs mass in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands.
Biggest crowd yet in Cuba, at Holguin, for Pope's mass Sept 21 pic.twitter.com/1KXcogldPT
4.08pm BST16:08
Some more interesting analysis and context from Ivereigh, as Pope Francis finishes his homily in Holguín.
I went to a Mission House in a Havana parish the other night: there are 120 of them in that parish alone, each of 15-20 people.
Pope in Holguin notes how Casas Misión provide place of prayer and catechesis in absence of churches and priests.
(There are fewer than 400 priests for the whole island of 11m people. Only one new church built since Revolution.)
Updated at 4.19pm BST
4.05pm BST16:05
“Let us gaze upon the Lord in prayer, in the Eucharist, in Confession, in our brothers and sisters, especially those who feel excluded or abandoned,” Pope Francis continues.
“May we learn to see them as Jesus sees us. Let us share his tenderness and mercy with the sick, prisoners, the elderly and families in difficulty. Again and again we are called to learn from Jesus, who always sees what is most authentic in every person, which is the image of his Father. “
I know the efforts and the sacrifices being made by the Church in Cuba to bring Christ’s word and presence to all, even in the most remote areas. Here I would mention especially the “mission houses” which, given the shortage of churches and priests, provide for many people a place for prayer, for listening to the word of God, for catechesis and community life.
They are small signs of God’s presence in our neighborhoods and a daily aid in our effort to respond to the plea of the apostle Paul: “I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”
4.02pm BST16:02
Now, the Pope begins to construct the political message of the address from the story of Matthew.
After the look, a word.
After love, the mission.
Matthew is no longer the same; he is changed inside. The encounter with Jesus and his loving mercy has transformed him.
He leaves behind his table, his money, his exclusion. Before, he had sat waiting to collect his taxes, to take from others; now, with Jesus he must get up and give, give himself to others. Jesus looks at him and Matthew encounters the joy of service.
For Matthew and for all who have felt the gaze of Jesus, other people are no longer to be “lived off”, used and abused. The gaze of Jesus gives rise to missionary activity, service, self-giving.
3.54pm BST15:543.54pm BST15:54
Pope Francis continues his homily:Pope Francis continues his homily:
After the Lord looked upon him with mercy, he said to Matthew: “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed him. After the look, a word. After love, the mission. Matthew is no longer the same; he is changed inside. The encounter with Jesus and his loving mercy has transformed him. He leaves behind his table, his money, his exclusion.After the Lord looked upon him with mercy, he said to Matthew: “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed him. After the look, a word. After love, the mission. Matthew is no longer the same; he is changed inside. The encounter with Jesus and his loving mercy has transformed him. He leaves behind his table, his money, his exclusion.
Before, he had sat waiting to collect his taxes, to take from others; now, with Jesus he must get up and give, give himself to others. Jesus looks at him and Matthew encounters the joy of service. For Matthew and for all who have felt the gaze of Jesus, other people are no longer to be “lived off”, used and abused.Before, he had sat waiting to collect his taxes, to take from others; now, with Jesus he must get up and give, give himself to others. Jesus looks at him and Matthew encounters the joy of service. For Matthew and for all who have felt the gaze of Jesus, other people are no longer to be “lived off”, used and abused.
The gaze of Jesus gives rise to missionary activity, service, self-giving. Jesus’ love heals our short-sightedness and pushes us to look beyond, not to be satisfied with appearances or with what is politically correct.The gaze of Jesus gives rise to missionary activity, service, self-giving. Jesus’ love heals our short-sightedness and pushes us to look beyond, not to be satisfied with appearances or with what is politically correct.
3.54pm BST15:543.54pm BST15:54
“We are celebrating the feast of the apostle and evangelist Saint Matthew,” Pope Francis begins. “We are celebrating the story of a conversion. Matthew himself, in his Gospel, tell us what it was like, this encounter which changed his life. He shows us an ‘exchange of glances’ capable of changing history.”“We are celebrating the feast of the apostle and evangelist Saint Matthew,” Pope Francis begins. “We are celebrating the story of a conversion. Matthew himself, in his Gospel, tell us what it was like, this encounter which changed his life. He shows us an ‘exchange of glances’ capable of changing history.”
The Feast of St. Matthew gives Pope Francis the opportunity to expound on one of his favourite themes in this homily: mercy.The Feast of St. Matthew gives Pope Francis the opportunity to expound on one of his favourite themes in this homily: mercy.
In this case, Jesus’ mercy for Matthew, the tax-collector.In this case, Jesus’ mercy for Matthew, the tax-collector.
“We know that Matthew was a publican: he collected taxes from the Jews to give to the Romans. Publicans were looked down upon and considered sinners; as such, they lived apart and were despised by others,” Francis continues.“We know that Matthew was a publican: he collected taxes from the Jews to give to the Romans. Publicans were looked down upon and considered sinners; as such, they lived apart and were despised by others,” Francis continues.
Jesus, on the other hand, stopped; he did not quickly take his distance. He looked at Matthew calmly, peacefully. He looked at him with eyes of mercy; he looked at him as no one had ever looked at him before. And this look unlocked Matthew’s heart; it set him free, it healed him, it gave him hope, a new life, as it did to Zacchaeus, to Bartimaeus, to Mary Magdalen, to Peter, and to each of us.Jesus, on the other hand, stopped; he did not quickly take his distance. He looked at Matthew calmly, peacefully. He looked at him with eyes of mercy; he looked at him as no one had ever looked at him before. And this look unlocked Matthew’s heart; it set him free, it healed him, it gave him hope, a new life, as it did to Zacchaeus, to Bartimaeus, to Mary Magdalen, to Peter, and to each of us.
3.42pm BST15:423.42pm BST15:42
Papal Mass in Holguin, Cuba #ThePope pic.twitter.com/OYuCARZsphPapal Mass in Holguin, Cuba #ThePope pic.twitter.com/OYuCARZsph
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A fascinating historical tidbit from Pope Francis’ biographer Austen Ivereigh, who says that today, the day of the Feast of St. Matthew, has special meaning for the pontiff.A fascinating historical tidbit from Pope Francis’ biographer Austen Ivereigh, who says that today, the day of the Feast of St. Matthew, has special meaning for the pontiff.
Mass in Holguín begins. Feast of St Matthew whose conversion always inspired @Pontifex. His papal motto is from today's Office of Readings.Mass in Holguín begins. Feast of St Matthew whose conversion always inspired @Pontifex. His papal motto is from today's Office of Readings.
3.37pm BST15:373.37pm BST15:37
The pope was welcomed at the airport by Holguin’s Bishop Emilio Aranguren and the Cuban government’s number two official, Miguel Diaz-Canel, reports the Associated Press, as a large crowd shouted, “Francis our friend, the people are with you!”The pope was welcomed at the airport by Holguin’s Bishop Emilio Aranguren and the Cuban government’s number two official, Miguel Diaz-Canel, reports the Associated Press, as a large crowd shouted, “Francis our friend, the people are with you!”
Holguín is known for a cross that has overlooked the city from a hilltop since a Franciscan monk hauled it up there in 1790 - though the original wooden version succumbed to old age and the 1950 replacement was destroyed by lightning.Holguín is known for a cross that has overlooked the city from a hilltop since a Franciscan monk hauled it up there in 1790 - though the original wooden version succumbed to old age and the 1950 replacement was destroyed by lightning.
Now made of concrete, the five-meter (16-foot) landmark has endured through centuries of hurricanes and years of tensions between the Church and the communist regime, which was officially atheist for more than three decades until 1992.Now made of concrete, the five-meter (16-foot) landmark has endured through centuries of hurricanes and years of tensions between the Church and the communist regime, which was officially atheist for more than three decades until 1992.
Some 150,000 people are expected.Some 150,000 people are expected.
“We came to see him because we love him so much for all he has done for peace and for Cuba,” said Norales Mendoze, a 45-year-old security guard from the city of Guantanamo who made the nine-hour bus trip to Holguín with hundreds of other faithful.“We came to see him because we love him so much for all he has done for peace and for Cuba,” said Norales Mendoze, a 45-year-old security guard from the city of Guantanamo who made the nine-hour bus trip to Holguín with hundreds of other faithful.
“Francisco is the missionary who will now go to the United States and wants to unite our two peoples,” said Carlos Berejano from the neighboring province of Granma.“Francisco is the missionary who will now go to the United States and wants to unite our two peoples,” said Carlos Berejano from the neighboring province of Granma.
After mass the pope will visit the hilltop cross to bless the city of 291,000 inhabitants, Cuba’s fourth-largest.After mass the pope will visit the hilltop cross to bless the city of 291,000 inhabitants, Cuba’s fourth-largest.
According to legend, locals first saw a statue of Cuba’s patron saint, Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, floating in the Holguin bay in 1612 after a storm.According to legend, locals first saw a statue of Cuba’s patron saint, Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, floating in the Holguin bay in 1612 after a storm.
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Pope Francis is currently being introduced.Pope Francis is currently being introduced.
Presenter at Mass in Communist Cuba explaining Francis' apostolic exhortation "The Joy of the Gospel." Interesting times... #PapaEnCubaPresenter at Mass in Communist Cuba explaining Francis' apostolic exhortation "The Joy of the Gospel." Interesting times... #PapaEnCuba
3.27pm BST15:273.27pm BST15:27
Playing a starring role in #PapaEnCuba is Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. A copy present for Mass in Holguin. pic.twitter.com/6k5YhnhqywPlaying a starring role in #PapaEnCuba is Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. A copy present for Mass in Holguin. pic.twitter.com/6k5Yhnhqyw
3.24pm BST15:243.24pm BST15:24
This is the dais in Revolutionary Plaza from which Pope Francis will give his homily in just a few moments.This is the dais in Revolutionary Plaza from which Pope Francis will give his homily in just a few moments.
El #PapaFrancisco recordará hoy en Holguín la figura del Apóstol y Evangelista, San Mateo. #ElPapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/Z3rbqtUZPPEl #PapaFrancisco recordará hoy en Holguín la figura del Apóstol y Evangelista, San Mateo. #ElPapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/Z3rbqtUZPP
3.18pm BST15:183.18pm BST15:18
Pope Francis is arriving now.Pope Francis is arriving now.
.@Pontifex weaving into Holguin's Revolution Square for Mass... #PapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/dKW2omBuEb.@Pontifex weaving into Holguin's Revolution Square for Mass... #PapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/dKW2omBuEb
#ThePope kisses a child as he arrives at Mass in Holguin Cuba pic.twitter.com/COV6vg1Lih#ThePope kisses a child as he arrives at Mass in Holguin Cuba pic.twitter.com/COV6vg1Lih
#PopeFrancis in his element among the poor on the periphery in Holguin Cuba pic.twitter.com/7wcprnBwlH#PopeFrancis in his element among the poor on the periphery in Holguin Cuba pic.twitter.com/7wcprnBwlH
3.13pm BST15:133.13pm BST15:13
Among the world leaders visiting Cuba for the papal visit is Argentina’s President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who attended yesterday’s mass in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución writes Angela Bruno.Among the world leaders visiting Cuba for the papal visit is Argentina’s President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who attended yesterday’s mass in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución writes Angela Bruno.
#LaFoto | Presidenta Cristina Fernández durante Santa Misa oficiada por el papa Francisco en La Habana #ElPapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/bOuLKajRNN#LaFoto | Presidenta Cristina Fernández durante Santa Misa oficiada por el papa Francisco en La Habana #ElPapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/bOuLKajRNN
Some Twitter users have raised their eyebrows at la presidenta’s expensive tastes – she arrived at Havana’s José Martí Airport on Saturday sporting a Hermès bag which can cost up to $22,000. Guardian correspondent Jonathan Watts also spotted her driving away in a Jaguar.Some Twitter users have raised their eyebrows at la presidenta’s expensive tastes – she arrived at Havana’s José Martí Airport on Saturday sporting a Hermès bag which can cost up to $22,000. Guardian correspondent Jonathan Watts also spotted her driving away in a Jaguar.
Such displays of wealth seem somewhat at odds with the Pope’s message: he has repeatedly criticised excessive consumption, warning in his homily last night that “wealth impoverishes us.”Such displays of wealth seem somewhat at odds with the Pope’s message: he has repeatedly criticised excessive consumption, warning in his homily last night that “wealth impoverishes us.”
Para @KarelBecerra @CFKArgentina se bajó del avión en Cuba con una cartera Hermes de 22000 dólares. Super Nac&Pop pic.twitter.com/94m17mwl2mPara @KarelBecerra @CFKArgentina se bajó del avión en Cuba con una cartera Hermes de 22000 dólares. Super Nac&Pop pic.twitter.com/94m17mwl2m
The Pope and Kirchner have had their share of differences. Guardian correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner spoke to their once-rocky relationship in her coverage of the Pope’s trip to Latin America during the summer:The Pope and Kirchner have had their share of differences. Guardian correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner spoke to their once-rocky relationship in her coverage of the Pope’s trip to Latin America during the summer:
There was bad blood between them when Francis was still known as Father Jorge Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires and a fierce critic of corruption in Argentinian politics.There was bad blood between them when Francis was still known as Father Jorge Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires and a fierce critic of corruption in Argentinian politics.
The icy relationship worsened after Fernández passed a law legalising same-sex marriage in Argentina in 2010 when Bergoglio headed a march against the gay marriage bill.The icy relationship worsened after Fernández passed a law legalising same-sex marriage in Argentina in 2010 when Bergoglio headed a march against the gay marriage bill.
‘Pity there is no ‘popess’; if not, I could compete for the post,’ Fernández said when she heard that Bergoglio had become pope.‘Pity there is no ‘popess’; if not, I could compete for the post,’ Fernández said when she heard that Bergoglio had become pope.
Since then, however, the two have managed to improve their relationship: Relations have seemingly warmed and Fernández has become a frequent visitor at the Vatican.Since then, however, the two have managed to improve their relationship: Relations have seemingly warmed and Fernández has become a frequent visitor at the Vatican.
3.11pm BST15:113.11pm BST15:11
“Francisco! Francisco! Francisco!” chant the assembled crowd, as they are serenaded with music from a live band in Revolutionary Square.“Francisco! Francisco! Francisco!” chant the assembled crowd, as they are serenaded with music from a live band in Revolutionary Square.
Pope Francis is slowly making his way through Holguin, stopping to greet children and members of the assembled crowd. Mass is scheduled to start in 20 minutes.Pope Francis is slowly making his way through Holguin, stopping to greet children and members of the assembled crowd. Mass is scheduled to start in 20 minutes.
3.01pm BST15:013.01pm BST15:01
A great shot from the Associated Press’ Trisha Thomas of the crowd awaiting the Pope in Holguín.A great shot from the Associated Press’ Trisha Thomas of the crowd awaiting the Pope in Holguín.
Crowd in Holguin #Cuba waiting for #ThePope pic.twitter.com/YOMZ4Bm2IMCrowd in Holguin #Cuba waiting for #ThePope pic.twitter.com/YOMZ4Bm2IM
Updated at 3.12pm BSTUpdated at 3.12pm BST
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The Pope is now touring the city of Holguin in the popemobile.The Pope is now touring the city of Holguin in the popemobile.
.@Pontifex now in @the_popemobile, touring east Cuban city of Holguin. People lining with flags. Incredible..@Pontifex now in @the_popemobile, touring east Cuban city of Holguin. People lining with flags. Incredible.
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An interesting preview of the pope’s visit to the US - the Vatican flag will be raised at the UN for the first time, according to the National Catholic Reporter’s Vatican correspondent.An interesting preview of the pope’s visit to the US - the Vatican flag will be raised at the UN for the first time, according to the National Catholic Reporter’s Vatican correspondent.
#Vatican: Holy See flag to be raised at @un for 1st time Sept. 25 "with no ceremony." #PopeinUS#Vatican: Holy See flag to be raised at @un for 1st time Sept. 25 "with no ceremony." #PopeinUS
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Journalists travelling with the Pope are boarding the transport that will take them to Holguín’s Revolutionary Plaza.Journalists travelling with the Pope are boarding the transport that will take them to Holguín’s Revolutionary Plaza.
Our transport to Holguin Mass is literally under the plane. #PapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/AAyftk3lWzOur transport to Holguin Mass is literally under the plane. #PapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/AAyftk3lWz
Updated at 3.12pm BSTUpdated at 3.12pm BST
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Some video of the pope’s arrival in Holguin.Some video of the pope’s arrival in Holguin.
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| @inter_pl | El #PapaFrancisco desciende del avión que lo llevó a Holguín. En vivo ► http://t.co/5SaPdW5VfX pic.twitter.com/4v9PbgFOCb| @inter_pl | El #PapaFrancisco desciende del avión que lo llevó a Holguín. En vivo ► http://t.co/5SaPdW5VfX pic.twitter.com/4v9PbgFOCb
Translation: “Pope Francis descends from the aircraft that brought him to Holguin.”Translation: “Pope Francis descends from the aircraft that brought him to Holguin.”
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Correspondents prepare to exit the plane with Pope Francis.Correspondents prepare to exit the plane with Pope Francis.
Landed in Holguin with #PapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/Iz1EI7x73jLanded in Holguin with #PapaEnCuba pic.twitter.com/Iz1EI7x73j
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In the last few minutes the papal plane has touched down at Holguín's Frank Pais international airport.In the last few minutes the papal plane has touched down at Holguín's Frank Pais international airport.
Pope Francis is the first pontiff to visit Holguín - the province where Fidel and Raul Castro grew up, Reuters reports.Pope Francis is the first pontiff to visit Holguín - the province where Fidel and Raul Castro grew up, Reuters reports.
Updated at 3.12pm BSTUpdated at 3.12pm BST
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This is Holguín’s Plaza de la Revolution, where Pope Francis is due to hold a mass at 10:30AM eastern time (3:30PM GMT) near the mausoleum of the famous Cuban revolutionary Major General Calixto Garcia..This is Holguín’s Plaza de la Revolution, where Pope Francis is due to hold a mass at 10:30AM eastern time (3:30PM GMT) near the mausoleum of the famous Cuban revolutionary Major General Calixto Garcia..
Thousands have already gathered since the early hours of the morning to hear the pontiff speak.Thousands have already gathered since the early hours of the morning to hear the pontiff speak.
Updated at 3.12pm BSTUpdated at 3.12pm BST
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Hello and welcome to our coverage of the third day of Pope Francis’ ten-day visit to Cuba and the United States.Hello and welcome to our coverage of the third day of Pope Francis’ ten-day visit to Cuba and the United States.
A plane carrying Pope Francis has left Havana for the eastern city of Holguín, the third-largest on the island, where thousands of people have already gathered in the city’s plaza for today’s papal mass.A plane carrying Pope Francis has left Havana for the eastern city of Holguín, the third-largest on the island, where thousands of people have already gathered in the city’s plaza for today’s papal mass.
Fifty-eight-year-old Idael Confesor Martinez Leyva wore a straw hat topped with Cuban and Vatican flags as she entered the plaza. She said the pope “is going to transform the world and bring us what we need most, especially the young people”.Fifty-eight-year-old Idael Confesor Martinez Leyva wore a straw hat topped with Cuban and Vatican flags as she entered the plaza. She said the pope “is going to transform the world and bring us what we need most, especially the young people”.
This evening, Francis heads to Cuba’s second city, Santiago.This evening, Francis heads to Cuba’s second city, Santiago.
Yesterday he led a mass in Havana, as well as meeting with a group of young people; on Saturday, he was met at Havana airport by Cuban president Raul Castro, who gave a politically-charged welcome speech in which he called the ongoing US trade embargo “immoral” and demanded the return of Guantanamo Bay.Yesterday he led a mass in Havana, as well as meeting with a group of young people; on Saturday, he was met at Havana airport by Cuban president Raul Castro, who gave a politically-charged welcome speech in which he called the ongoing US trade embargo “immoral” and demanded the return of Guantanamo Bay.
I ask you to join me in praying for my trip to Cuba and the United States. I need your prayers.I ask you to join me in praying for my trip to Cuba and the United States. I need your prayers.
The papal plane is scheduled to touch down at Holguín airport at 9.20am ET (1.04pm GMT).The papal plane is scheduled to touch down at Holguín airport at 9.20am ET (1.04pm GMT).
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day.Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day.
Related: Pope tracker 2015: the pontiff's itinerary from Cuba to the USRelated: Pope tracker 2015: the pontiff's itinerary from Cuba to the US
Updated at 3.13pm BSTUpdated at 3.13pm BST