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Pope Francis in Cuba: pontiff holds mass in Holguín's Revolution Square - live Pope Francis in Cuba: pontiff holds mass in Holguín's Revolution Square - live
(35 minutes later)
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The Washington Post has a lovely illustrated history of the popemobile, including Pope Pius XI’s 1930 Mercedes-Benz Nürburg, Pope Paul VI’s 1964 Lincoln Continental, and Pope John Paul II’s 1988 Ferrari Mondial.
You can read the whole thing here.
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More from my colleague Angela Bruno on Cuba’s detention of dissidents and activists during the papal visit:
Madrid-based El Diario de Cuba spoke with Martha Beatriz Roque, one of the dissident activists detained Sunday on her way to Havana’s Cathedral to greet the pope. Roque said she was stopped even though she had been invited by the Vatican’s diplomatic mission.
In her interview (published in Spanish), Roque says she was detained twice while trying to see the Pope, first on Saturday night, when she was arrested by agents of the Department of State Security and prevented from reaching the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Havana.
The Vatican said that no official meeting had been planned with the dissidents.
The Papal nunciate in Havana did make calls to some leaders “as a sign of attention to these people,” according to Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi.
Lombardi added that some dissidents were invited to events to receive a greeting from the pope, but that he didn’t know why the greeting didn’t take place.
According to Roque, while on her way to the Cathedral on Sunday, her taxi was pulled over by agents of the Department of State Security.
She tweeted about the incident yesterday, saying: “I was violently arrested to stop me reaching the Cathedral invited by Pope Francisco”
#Cuba fui arrestada con violencia impedir llegara Catedral invitada x Papa Francisco
“I had not even paid the taxi driver when one of the agents violently took me by the arm and dragged me out,” Roque told El Diario. “I asked him to identify himself and told him he had no right to touch me.”
She was then taken to a police station and detained for the afternoon. While detained, security agents told her that “not even with the proper credentials would she have been allowed to enter the cathedral” and that if she had any messages for the Pope, she would “first have to communicate it to State Security and they would be in charge of passing it along.”
Roque does indeed have a message for the Pope – and a strong one:
If the Vatican is truly interested in us seeing the Pope, they will have to come and find us and put us in front of the Holy Father—because if he tries to come to my house, I’m sure they’ll arrest him, too.”
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Up next this afternoon:
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Stephanie KirchgaessnerStephanie Kirchgaessner
One day before Pope Francis makes his first trip to the US, America magazine - a Catholic publication - has released an interview with Joe Biden, who is the first Roman Catholic to serve as vice president, and is reported to be mulling a 2016 presidential run that would pit him against Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination. Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome has this report:One day before Pope Francis makes his first trip to the US, America magazine - a Catholic publication - has released an interview with Joe Biden, who is the first Roman Catholic to serve as vice president, and is reported to be mulling a 2016 presidential run that would pit him against Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination. Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome has this report:
In the interview, Biden expressed his excitement about Pope Francis’s papacy, calling the pope ‘the embodiment of the Catholic social doctrine that I was raised with, the idea that everyone is entitled to dignity, that the poor should be given special preference, that you have an obligation to reach out and be inclusive.’In the interview, Biden expressed his excitement about Pope Francis’s papacy, calling the pope ‘the embodiment of the Catholic social doctrine that I was raised with, the idea that everyone is entitled to dignity, that the poor should be given special preference, that you have an obligation to reach out and be inclusive.’
He was also asked about whether it was difficult to be at odds with the leadership of the church on issues like abortion. The church sees the procedure as a grave sin, while Biden supports abortion rights.He was also asked about whether it was difficult to be at odds with the leadership of the church on issues like abortion. The church sees the procedure as a grave sin, while Biden supports abortion rights.
‘It has been, it has been hard in one sense, because I’m prepared to accept de fide doctrine on a whole range of issues as a Catholic… I’m prepared to accept as a matter of faith, my wife and I, my family, [the Church’s teaching on] the issue of abortion,’ but, Mr. Biden added, he is not prepared to ‘impose’ what he considers ‘a precise view, that is born out of my faith, on other people.’‘It has been, it has been hard in one sense, because I’m prepared to accept de fide doctrine on a whole range of issues as a Catholic… I’m prepared to accept as a matter of faith, my wife and I, my family, [the Church’s teaching on] the issue of abortion,’ but, Mr. Biden added, he is not prepared to ‘impose’ what he considers ‘a precise view, that is born out of my faith, on other people.’
He was asked whether there was a home for pro-life Americans in the Democratic party, which is generally seen as a party that supports women’s reproductive rights and choices.He was asked whether there was a home for pro-life Americans in the Democratic party, which is generally seen as a party that supports women’s reproductive rights and choices.
‘Absolutely. Absolutely, positively. And that’s been my position as long as I’ve been engaged.’‘Absolutely. Absolutely, positively. And that’s been my position as long as I’ve been engaged.’
The comment was well received by Christopher Hale, the executive director of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, a Catholic social justice organization that supports charity for the poor and is opposed to abortion. According to its website, the group seeks to ban all abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.The comment was well received by Christopher Hale, the executive director of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, a Catholic social justice organization that supports charity for the poor and is opposed to abortion. According to its website, the group seeks to ban all abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Hale said in response to the Biden interview:Hale said in response to the Biden interview:
‘The Vice President is absolutely right: people who are pro-life should be welcomed in the Democratic Party. At the heart of the progressive movement is radical inclusion. A party that fails to welcome pro-life individuals doesn’t live up to this important ideal. A Democratic Party that is more open to members of the pro-life movement is a party with a brighter future.’”‘The Vice President is absolutely right: people who are pro-life should be welcomed in the Democratic Party. At the heart of the progressive movement is radical inclusion. A party that fails to welcome pro-life individuals doesn’t live up to this important ideal. A Democratic Party that is more open to members of the pro-life movement is a party with a brighter future.’”
The full version of the America interview is available at http://papalvisit.americamedia.org and at http://youtube.com/c/AmericaMediaThe full version of the America interview is available at http://papalvisit.americamedia.org and at http://youtube.com/c/AmericaMedia
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Pope Francis has finished mass in Holguín’s Revolutionary SquarePope Francis has finished mass in Holguín’s Revolutionary Square
He ended by presenting a ceremonial chalice to Bishop Aranguren of Holguín, per reports.He ended by presenting a ceremonial chalice to Bishop Aranguren of Holguín, per reports.
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Security agents didn’t appear to be letting members of the crowd get close to the Pope in Holguín’s Revolutionary Square this morning, reports the Associated Press. On Sunday, an apparent dissident hung on to the popemobile and appeared to be appealing to the pope before the man was dragged away.Security agents didn’t appear to be letting members of the crowd get close to the Pope in Holguín’s Revolutionary Square this morning, reports the Associated Press. On Sunday, an apparent dissident hung on to the popemobile and appeared to be appealing to the pope before the man was dragged away.
The head of the opposition group Ladies in White said 22 of 24 members who wanted to attend Francis’ Mass on Sunday were prevented from going by Cuban security agents. And two well-known Cuban dissidents said agents detained them after the Vatican invited them to the pope’s vespers service at Havana’s cathedral.The head of the opposition group Ladies in White said 22 of 24 members who wanted to attend Francis’ Mass on Sunday were prevented from going by Cuban security agents. And two well-known Cuban dissidents said agents detained them after the Vatican invited them to the pope’s vespers service at Havana’s cathedral.
The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, confirmed that some dissidents were invited to events to receive a greeting from the pope but that he didn’t know why the greeting didn’t occur.The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, confirmed that some dissidents were invited to events to receive a greeting from the pope but that he didn’t know why the greeting didn’t occur.
Asked if the Holy See would lodge an official protest, Lombardi demurred. He stressed that it was a “passing greeting,” not an official meeting, and that it was set up out of a “desire to show an attention for everyone, including dissidents.”Asked if the Holy See would lodge an official protest, Lombardi demurred. He stressed that it was a “passing greeting,” not an official meeting, and that it was set up out of a “desire to show an attention for everyone, including dissidents.”
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As priests pass around the communion wafers, many in the crowd shelter from the intense sun under brightly-coloured sun-umbrellas.As priests pass around the communion wafers, many in the crowd shelter from the intense sun under brightly-coloured sun-umbrellas.
With humidity, it is a scorching 104 degrees Farenheit in Holguín today.With humidity, it is a scorching 104 degrees Farenheit in Holguín today.
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My colleague Angela Bruno writes: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.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.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.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.”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.The assembled crowd is now partaking in communion.
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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.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.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.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.
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Pope Francis holds mass in Revolutionary SquarePope 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.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/1KXcogldPTBiggest crowd yet in Cuba, at Holguin, for Pope's mass Sept 21 pic.twitter.com/1KXcogldPT
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Some more interesting analysis and context from Ivereigh, as Pope Francis finishes his homily in Holguín.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.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.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.)(There are fewer than 400 priests for the whole island of 11m people. Only one new church built since Revolution.)
Updated at 4.19pm BSTUpdated at 4.19pm BST
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“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.“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. ““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.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”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”
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Now, the Pope begins to construct the political message of the address from the story of Matthew.Now, the Pope begins to construct the political message of the address from the story of Matthew.
After the look, a word.After the look, a word.
After love, the mission.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.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.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.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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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“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.
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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