He signed the book of condolences opened at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Havana, expressing his respect and gratitude for Cubans’ affectionate feelings for Benedict XVI during his visit to the island in 2012.

Likewise, he thanked the position of the religious leader against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba for more than six decades.

In his message, Valdes Mesa extended his condolences to his family, the Curia and the Catholic community.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died on December 31, at the age of 95, in the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae monastery, where he took up residence when he resigned for health reasons, after eight years of pontificate.

During his visit to Cuba, from March 26 to 28, 2012, the pontiff celebrated masses in Santiago de Cuba (east) and Havana (west), and held a meeting with the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro.

On January 4, President Miguel Díaz-Canel decreed an official mourning on the occasion of the death of Benedict XVI, which remained in effect from 06:00 to 24:00 on January 5.

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