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…thorities.The Pope also visited the Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Caridad del Cobre in Santiago de Cuba, where he prayed along with his retinue and considered that the presence of the Saint there was a blessing.Shortly before returning to Rome, Benedict XVI criticized the U.S.-imposed economic, trade and financial blockade on Cuba. (Prensa Latina).
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…supported him throughout the Mass officiated at the square, before boarding the popemobile. He even agreed to have a picture taken with those who very warmly said good-by to him. Once again, he showed a smiling face.Why can’t we then imagine that he was happy to have been able to share with all Cubans this visit of high spiritual value and faith?
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…ockade on Cuba, which La Primera center-leftist newspaper highlighted on its front page with the headline "Pope Criticizes Blockade against Cuba".When referring to that policy implemented by Washington for over 50 years, Benedict XVI condemned the "restrictive economic measures imposed on Cuba from abroad" that "affect the people". (Prensa Latina).
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…weigh on the population."Under a prolonged drizzle, Raul Castro accompanied the Pope until the steps of the Alitalia airplane.Some minutes before, Benedict XVI thanked the possibility of visiting "this beautiful island."The airplane taking the Supreme Pontiff to Rome took off at 17:40 local time (22:40 GMT) from Havana airport. (Prensa Latina).
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…thanked the Cuban leader for the expressions of love that he had received in Cuba and explained the purpose of his journeys around the world to confirm the Christians’ faith and the Church’s service to the peoples.According to Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, the half-hour meeting was serene, intense, animated and cordial. (ACN).
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…, we do not share the same opinion about all issues,” said the Cuban head of state before thanking the pontiff for his visit and for his affectionate feelings toward the Cuban people “that we will always remember.”“On behalf of Cuba and myself, I express our deep gratitude and appreciation,” Raul Castro concluded. (ACN). (Taken from RHC).
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…three-day apostolic visit to the Caribbean country.
Raul Castro Thanks Benedict XVI's Visit to Cuba
The Cuban Government and Catholic Church authorities also attended the official ceremony that put an end to the stay of the Supreme Pontiff in the Caribbean country.A prolonged drizzle caused some changes in the farewell program. (Prensa Latina).
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… Playa, from where the neighbouring Cuban people warmly bid farewell to the Supreme Pontiff. Benedict XVI will leave the country on board the Papal aircraft called Sestriere, a Boeing 777 from the Italian airline Alitalia, together with a 24-member Papal Entourage including bishops, cardinals and priests. (Radio Rebelde/Radio Cadena Agramonte).
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