Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Cuba

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. President Raul Castro, who is not a Catholic, attended the event in city’s iconic Revolution Square. The Pope may also meet the leader’s brother and predecessor, Fidel Castro. Pope […]

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.
President Raul Castro, who is not a Catholic, attended the event in city’s iconic Revolution Square.
The Pope may also meet the leader’s brother and predecessor, Fidel Castro.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 made no reference to the US-Cuban rapprochement, but did speak about the Colombian peace talks, which are taking place in Havana.