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Pope Francis Meets Raúl Castro in Havana

3 minute read

Pope Francis’ arrival in Cuba was filled with pomp and politics, as both the Catholic leader and Cuban President Raúl Castro looked to highlight their causes in the highly visible meeting.

The pope stepped off an Alitalia chartered jet onto a red carpet on the tarmac at the Havana airport, where he was greeted by Castro. Speaking first, the president noted with pride the accomplishments of the Cuban educational and health systems, arguing that they help address poverty and inequality, two concerns of the pope.

He then turned to politics, criticizing the United States for continuing an economic embargo and running a prison in Guantanamo Bay.

Read More: Pope Francis Surprised With Empanadas from Miami

“The blockade, which causes human damages and privation to the Cuvban family, is cruel, immoral and illegal and it should cease,” Castro said. “The territory usurped by the Guantanamo naval base should be returned to Cuba and other issues resolved too.”

Although President Obama has sought to relax the embargo rules as Cuba and the U.S. have begun to normalize relations, it will remain in place until Congress acts, which is unlikely as long as Republicans are in control. Similarly, Obama has reduced the number of prisoners held at Guantanamo but it likely won’t close without congressional approval.

When it was his turn to speak, Pope Francis told Castro to “convey my sentiments of particular respect and consideration to your brother Fidel,” according to prepared remarks. He then spoke happily of the normalizing of relations between the U.S. and Cuba, in which the Vatican played a role.

Read More: President Obama Talked to Raul Castro About Pope’s Visit

“It is a sign of victory of the culture of encounter and dialogue, ‘the system of universal growth’ over ‘the forever dead system of groups and dynasties,’” he said, according to prepared remarks. “I urge political leaders to persevere on this path and to develop all potentialities as a proof of the high service which they are called to carry out on behalf of the peace and wellbeing of their peoples, of all America as an example of reconciliation for the entire world,” he said.

Francis was flanked by Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino of Havana. one of his close advisors and a key player in the reconciliation with the United States.

Clouds rolled in around the airport, with occasional thunderclaps punctuating the welcoming ceremony. As Pope Francis got into an open popemobile to wave to the thousands of Cuban families lining the fences around the airport, a light sprinkle of rain began to fall.

Read More: How Pope Francis Helped Broker Cuba Deal

See Photos From Pope Francis' Arrival in Cuba

Cuba Pope
Cuba's President Raul Castro escorts Pope Francis during the pope's arrival ceremony at the airport in Havana, Cuba, on Sept. 19, 2015.Ramon Espinosa—AP
People react after the arrival of Pope Francis outside the airport in Havana
People react after the arrival of Pope Francis outside the airport in Havana, on Sept. 19, 2015.Claudia Daut—Reuters
Pope Francis Cuba visit
People watch as Pope Francis is shown on television as he arrives in Havana, Cuba on Sept. 19, 2015 in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.Joe Raedle—Getty Images
Cuba Pope
People disperse after Pope Francis' motorcade passed by in Havana, Cuba, on Sept. 19, 2015.Desmond Boylan—AP
People react as Pope Francis arrives at the airport in Havana
People react as Pope Francis arrives at the airport in Havana, Sept. 19, 2015.Alexandre Meneghini—Reuters
APTOPIX Cuba Pope
People wave to Pope Francis in his popemobile on his way from the airport to Havana, Cuba, on Sept. 19, 2015. Ismael Francisco—AP
Pope Francis arrives for the first mass of his visit to Cuba in Havana's Revolution Square
Pope Francis arrives for the first mass of his visit to Cuba in Havana's Revolution Square, Sept. 20, 2015.Tony Gentile—Reuters
CUBA-POPE-VISIT-MASS
People attend Pope Francis' mass at Revolution Square in Havana, on September 20, 2015.Adalberto Roque—AFP/Getty Images
CUBA-POPE-VISIT-MASS
Pope Francis gives mass at Revolution Square in Havana, on Sept. 20, 2015.Rodrigo Arangua—AFP/Getty Images
Pope Francis Fidel Castro Havana
Pope Francis and former President of Cuba Fidel Castro during their meeting at Castro's residence in Havana, on Sept. 20, 2015.Alex Castro—Cuba Debate/EPA
Pope Francis Cuba visit
Pope Francis flashes a thumbs up to the choir after holding a Mass in the Plaza de la Revolution in Holguin, Cuba, on Sept. 21, 2015.Joe Raedle—Getty Images
Pope Francis Cuba visit
Pope Francis is greeted by Cuba's President Raul Castro as he arrives to lead a mass for Catholic faithful in the city of Holguin, Cuba, on Sept. 21, 2015. Tony Gentile—Reuters

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