“Cuba has a little place in the heart of the Holy Father”, the high official of the Catholic Church said in the Thanksgiving Mass held on Wednesday for the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness, in which Vice President Salvador Valdes and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez were present.

According to Gallagher, that institution has felt the presence of the Cuban people during the nine decades of bilateral relations.

The religious visitor recalled that the stay here of the last three Popes also reveals the close bond maintained with the authorities, bishops, and believers of this nation that, “for the common good of all Cubans, could count on the Holy See.”

In that context, he urged to support His Holiness’s call to live in communion, within a united church in a reconciled world,” and under the principles of “peace, justice, and truth.”

Towards the end of the Eucharist, the Vatican secretary of State greeted the island’s vice president and the other authorities present, including Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso.

As part of the agenda, Bruno Rodriguez and Paul Richard Gallagher issued a commemorative stamp on Wednesday to mark the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations and held official talks.

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