Pope speaks of his ’emotional’ meeting with refugee family

Many Cubans complain about the rigidity of Cuba’s system in which almost every aspect of life is controlled by the government, from cultural institutions to block-level neighbourhood watch committees.

The United States’ U.N. ambassador in turn tweeted criticism of Cuban authorities over reported detentions in advance of Pope Francis’ visit.

He warned Cubans about succumbing to “seductive” plans for the future, an allusion to what may lie ahead for Cuba as the nation becomes less politically and financially isolated. Pope Francis didn’t disappoint, winding his way slowly through the masses and stopping to kiss children held up to him.

The pope appealed to Colombia’s government and Marxist Farc guerrillas to ensure that almost three years of peace talks in Cuba are successful in order to end their “long night” of war.

He also met pope Benedict XVI when he visited Cuba in 2012.

Following his visit to Cuba, Pope Francis heads to the US on September 22, where he will visit Washington D.C.to meet with President Obama, New York City, and Philadelphia.

In his remarks, Francis gave a friendly greeting to Fidel Castro, asking his brother Raul to send the 89-year-old revolutionary “my sentiments of particular respect and consideration”.

“The fact is that his infallibility is on religious matters, not on political ones”, said Christie, who is Catholic.

Pope Francis followed up a Mass in Havana’s Revolution Square on Sunday with a private meeting with former Cuban President Fidel Castro, the Vatican said.

Arriving on Saturday, Francis exhorted Cuba and the United States to deepen their detente, and encouraged Cuba to grant more freedom to the Roman Catholic Church, which has re-emerged as a powerful force after suffering decades of repression. “I think he’s coming as a messenger of hope to all the people of the United States”.

Pope Francis is urging Cubans to look out for one another and not just judge others based on what they are or are not doing.

Most were released after a few hours but the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), the country’s largest dissident group, said four of its activists remained in jail as of late Sunday.

“We’re encouraging people to bring their lawn chairs and their blankets and come and participate, it’ll be a celebration, a joyful event”, said Taylor.

“We need that kind of awareness that what we do in the halls of Congress affects the people right outside the doors”, said Neal Walsh who serves as Sacred Heart’s social ministry director.