Pope Francis arrived in Havana, Cuba, Sept. 19. Both he and President Raul Castro offered remarks at the airport welcome ceremony, with Pope Francis urging the continual improvement of U.S.-Cuba relations. Here are some first takes on his speech, the complete prepared text of the address, Tweets from journalists on the ground, photos, and video of the welcome ceremony.
Analysis
From Catholic News Service: Pope arrives in Cuba calling for freedom, better U.S.-Cuba relations
From National Catholic Reporter: In Cuba, Francis urges continued thaw in relations with US
From Crux: The pope in Cuba: Keep working with the US to improve relations
From the Vatican News Agency: Pope Francis arrives in Cuba, encourages reconciliation
From Catholic News Agency: Restoration of ties with US a sign of hope, Pope says in Cuba
Prepared text
Welcoming ceremony: Address of His Holiness Pope Francis
On the ground
#PapaEnCuba airport arrival ceremony pic.twitter.com/VpDX07THT2
— Cindy Wooden (@Cindy_Wooden) September 19, 2015
#PopeFrancis, Cuban Prez Raul Castro shake hands on Havana tarmac #PopeInCuba pic.twitter.com/ndgRug9jdn
— Catholic News Service (@CatholicNewsSvc) September 19, 2015
#Vatican spokesman Lombardi says @Pontifex said key word of U.S.-Cuba trip is peace and building bridges.
— Joshua McElwee (@joshjmac) September 19, 2015
Cubans line the 25km route from airport to Havana to cheer Pope Francis and get his blessing pic.twitter.com/cwvvwNCveB
— Gerard O'Connell (@gerryorome) September 19, 2015
Video
Courtesy Vatican Television Center.
