Pope Francis In Cuba: Pontiff Considering Visiting During US Tour

Pope Francis is analyzing the possibility of a visit to Cuba. Cuba’s residents reacted with words such as: “Let him bring us peace” and “May he ask for freedom for all.” Pope Francis is considering attending the island in September, after being a key factor during the reconciliation between Cuba and the United States.

The Vatican announced that the Pope is thinking about adding Cuba to the list when he comes to the U.S. in September, the trip was organized to show his support towards Washington and La Habana’s recent issue. He will be in the country from September 22 to September 27, 2015. However, the Pope’s spokesperson, Federico Lombardi, mentioned that it was only a consideration for now, nothing has been confirmed.

Pope Francis’ visit to Cuba “would help reaffirm the commitment the Church has to the well being and peace-keeping between Cuba and the U.S.” said Orlando Márquez, La Habana’s Archbishop. In 1998, Pope John Paul II’s visit to Cuba marked the end of the disputes between the Cuban Communist Government and the Catholic Church, which were pretty tense after the Revolution in 1959. Fidel Castro then restituted the Christmas Fair in 1998 in honor to the Pope. When Pope Benedict XVI visited Cuba in 2012, Raúl Castro proceeded to re-inaugurate the Easter’s Fair.

Nowadays, the Church is a very privileged party in Castro’s government. This happened after both parts agreed to a dialogue in May 2010, which led to the release of 130 politician inmates.

The news about the Pope´s possible visit has been spreading fast among Cubans who have been gloating with excitement and hoping for the visit to actually happen.