Pope Francis praised the bridge that is being rebuilt between Cuba and the United States, by summarizing his recent trip to these two countries.
Pope Francis praised the bridge that is being rebuilt between Cuba and the United States, by summarizing his recent trip to these two countries.
In front of thousands of people gathered for the general audience at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City, the Pope referred to the meaning of travelling directly from the Caribbean island to U.S. territory, the first time a Bishop of Rome carries out such journey.
"From Cuba to the United States of America: this has been an emblematic passage, a bridge that thanks to God is being rebuilt. God always wants to build bridges; we are those who build walls! And those walls always fall," he stated.
The first Latin American Pope stated that he arrived in Havana as a Missionary of Mercy, "and with this look of mercy, I could embrace the whole Cuban people in homeland and out."
After describing Cuba as a wealthy land in natural beauty, culture and faith, he greeted the people and particularly young people who face the future with a sense of responsibility and service to others. Francis was in the Caribbean island from Sept. 19 to 22, and visited the cities of Havana, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba, and then he moved to the United States, and visit Washington, New York, and Philadelphia.
During his stay on U.S. territory, he said, "I remembered that the greatest wealth of this country and its people are in the spiritual and ethical heritage."
About his visit to the United Nations, he stated that he called that institution to continue playing its role to promoting development and peace.
Source: PL