Pope Francis celebrated vespers with priests, religious and seminarians in Havana’s cathedral Sept. 20, offering a lengthy, wide-ranging and unscripted homily that highlighted familiar themes of a “poor Church” and the need for mercy. Pope Francis then spoke to young people at the Father Felix Varela cultural center in Havana, responding — again, off the cuff — to remarks made by a young speaker directly and calling on Cuba’s young people to dream and connect. Here’s everything you need to know.
Analysis
From Catholic News Agency: Let poverty be your mother, Pope Francis tells religious in Cuba; In Cuba, Pope Francis urges youth to hope and dream for the future
From National Catholic Reporter: ‘Wealth impoverishes’: In Cuba, Francis begs for poor church
On the ground
Pope is giving a stunning unplugged reflection on tenderness and mercy of God. Sweat and smiles on faces in Havana cathedral.
— Austen Ivereigh (@austeni) September 20, 2015
Francis quotes St. Abrose: where there’s mercy, there’s God’s spirit. Where there’s rigidity, there’s only his ministers#PapaEnCuba
— Ines San Martin (@inesanma) September 20, 2015
#PapaEnCuba with young people, believers and not. Little rain not a problem. The umbrella is sent away. pic.twitter.com/c3nDhSspvD
— Cindy Wooden (@Cindy_Wooden) September 20, 2015
You're standing and I'm sitting. Do you know why? Because I was taking down notes. And I want to talk about these! #PapaEnCuba
— Ines San Martin (@inesanma) September 20, 2015
Pope to young: we have two eyes, one of flesh, the other of glass: one to experience, the other to dream
— Austen Ivereigh (@austeni) September 20, 2015
Pope Francis: "There is a saying from Africa, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together." #PopeInCuba
— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) September 20, 2015
Pope Francis: "I ask you to pray for me. And if any of you is a non believer,and cannot pray, I ask you at least to wish me good things"
— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) September 20, 2015
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