Monday marked an important day for the country of Cuba where the devout came from towns hundreds of miles away to get a glimpse of the the first Latin American pope.
A Papal mass, the city’s first-ever, was set to begin early and according to NBC News many had to leave the night before to ensure their place in Revolution Square for the rare event.
It’s been a time of celebration for most Cubans due to the ending hostilities between Washington and Havana and relieved Cubans wasted no time expressing gratitude for the role their prayers, and the pontiff, played the newfound peace.
Their belief is that he will continue to bring peace across the Florida straits and during his 72-hour visit he repeated his message of tolerance and the need to engage in discussion and cooperation.
But it was his message on families that struck a chord for many people on the island. Families are at the core of His Holiness’ visits to Cuba and the U.S.
He wrapped up the visit touching upon more freedom for Cuba’s Catholic Church. Any outreach activities beyond celebrating mass and the sacraments have been banned for years on the island.
As the Pope departed on his final day, he took president Raul Castro’s hand and brought it to his heart as they were saying goodbye, again reiterating the message that building is a much better purpose than destroying, and that the future ahead was bright, not just for Cubans but for the world.