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The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel attended the Thanksgiving Mass for the papacy of Pope Francis, held at the Cathedral of Havana on Thursday.
The ceremony, called following the passing of Francis on Monday, April 21, brought together believers, ecclesiastical authorities, and leaders from the Cuban Party and Government.
Upon his arrival at the temple, Díaz-Canel was welcomed by the Apostolic Nuncio in Cuba, Monsignor Antoine Camilleri.
During the homily, Monsignor Camilleri emotionally recalled the figure of Francis as a shepherd for all without distinction, highlighting his concern for the most vulnerable and his constant call for peace in conflict areas.
"The Pope cared deeply for this country, for the Cuban Church, and for its people," stated the papal representative.
Camilleri recalled the apostolic journey of 2015, when Francis visited Havana, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba— including a brief stay at the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre— and held memorable meetings in the Havana Cathedral itself.
At the end of the mass, Monsignor Ramón Suárez Polcari, General Vicar and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Havana, thanked everyone for their presence, support, and solidarity.
On Tuesday, Díaz-Canel declared an official mourning throughout Cuba, from 6:00 am until midnight on the 24th, with the flags of public buildings and military institutions flown at half-mast.
The official statement emphasized Pope Francis's contribution to the "strengthening of relations" between Havana and the Holy See, as well as his mediation in the restoration of diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States during the "thaw" that began in 2014.
The Army General Raúl Castro, a key figure in that process, shared a personal message regarding the death of the Pontiff, whom he referred to as a "dear friend." "His passing affects me deeply. Just as he once told me, I will carry him in my heart forever."
For his part, the ruler sent his condolences to the national and international Catholic community, emphasizing "the words of affection" that the Pope dedicated to Cuba in his speeches.
The relations between Cuba and the Holy See celebrate this year their 90 years of continuous existence since 1936.
After his apostolic journey to Cuba in September 2015, the Pope made a stop in February 2016 during his transfer to Mexico.
In June 2023, Díaz-Canel traveled to the Vatican and had a "pleasant" meeting with him, in which they both discussed "the current Cuban reality," according to the Cuban leader.
Sectors of the exile community and dissent have raised their voices to criticize Francisco for not speaking out with the same strength regarding the human rights situation on the Island.
Frequently asked questions about the Mass in honor of Pope Francis in Havana
Why did Miguel Díaz-Canel attend a mass in honor of Pope Francis in Havana?
Miguel Díaz-Canel attended the mass in Havana to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who recently passed away. The ceremony was a Thanksgiving Mass for his papacy, highlighting his significance in the relations between Cuba and the Holy See.
What was Pope Francis's legacy in Cuba?
Pope Francis played a crucial role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Holy See. His mediation was key in the thawing process between Cuba and the United States, and he was remembered for his concern for the most vulnerable and his constant call for peace.
What measures did the Cuban government take following the death of Pope Francis?
The Cuban government declared official mourning across the island from April 22 until midnight on April 24. During this period, flags were flown at half-mast as a sign of respect for Pope Francis.
What was Pope Francis's relationship with the Cuban regime like?
Pope Francis maintained a close relationship with the Cuban regime, generating criticism for not speaking firmly about the human rights situation on the island. However, his role in dialogue and reconciliation was valued by the Cuban authorities.
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