{UAH} Pope Francis arrives to a hero's welcome in Cuba

After travelling for 11 hours by Alitalia, the Pope has finally arrived in Havana where

he has been received by ecstatic Cuban crowds led by President Raoul Castro.

On his descent from the airplane at the José Marti International Airport the Pope

was greeted with deafening ululations from the thousands of people assembled

at the airport, among whom hundreds and hundreds of pressmen and media personnel

from all over the world ( and this Papal visit is the first to be exceptionally televised live in USA).

On tarmac the President and the Cardinal Archbishop of Havana were the first to greet him.

Then there was an exchange of gifts between a group of youths and the Pope. This was followed

by the two anthems which were intoned to the sound of an accompanying 25-gun salute.

The two leaders then walked to the rotrum where they delivered their official speeches. President Castro

welcomed the Pope as a messenger of peace and dialogue in addition to being a very popularly loved

person in all Cuba. He thanked him for the role he played in reconciling his country with the USA. He singled out

the Pope's crying worry for youth unemployment and the degradation of nature and ecology. he appreciated the Pope's

repeated stand on equitable distribution of resources and land. He emphasized the orientation of the Cuban revolution towards

these goals. He also supported the Pope's positive stand on appealing for a change in the monetary system which has put money

as an idol of wealth for a few. Finally, he outlined the achievements of the Cuban revolution, and expressed his wish to see the Pope

help Cuba to resolve all remaining problems with the USA. And lastly, commending the good relations between the Vatican and Cuba, he

wished the Pope a good stay on the island where all people are very happy to welcome him.

In reply the Pope thanked the President for the good words as well as for the welcome given him. He further thanked all those involved in the

preparations. And he then requested the President to greet for him his brother Fidel Castro.

He further assured the president that the Church will always accompany  the people of cuba in all their efforts.

He promised to pray for Cuba at the Marian Shrine in the east of the country where he will eventually sejourn before leaving the country.

He encouraged the Cubans to eye strongly reconciliation because the world needs it very much. he also hinted on the beatification ceremony

of a gallant Cuban priest due to take place this weekend.

At the end of his speech, the Pope was very much cheered and ululated by the thousands of people around.

The speeches were followed by the introduction delegations which included the Pope's accompanying entourage, Cuban officials, diplomats, etc..

This was followed by a military parade to honour the Pope and the President. After, both leaders withdrew to a VIP lounge inside the airport  for

some private discussions after which the Popboarded his popemobile and was driven to the Nunciature, 18 kilometres away where he will be

residing. Hundreds of thousands of people had for hours jammed the entire rout in spite of the heavy scorching sun! They all cheered him as they

waved his portrait and the Vatican flags. The day has been described as unprecedented in joy and enthusiasm.

Dr G.H. Kkolokolo  ( Paris / France )