A mass of thanksgiving for the beginning of pontificate of Pope Leo XIV was celebrated in the Holy Cathedral Church of Havana, presided over by Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See.
The Eucharist, which also celebrated the 90th anniversary of continuous bilateral relations between Cuba and the Vatican City, was attended by members of the Political Bureau of the Party, Salvador Valdés Mesa, Vice President of the Republic, and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Monsignor Richard Gallagher's homily was an act of consecration for the Catholic faithful, representatives of the Orthodox churches and those of other Christian denominations present there, which marked the closeness of the Holy Father on the Island.
In the words of the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, the visits of Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and the visit of Pope Francis ten years ago, symbolized principles of unity and communion among Christians as well as fraternity among peoples.
He said that the Supreme Pontiff had sent an affectionate greeting, and the message that all the Cuban people have a corner in his heart.
He added that Pope Leo xiv wishes that the church has enough space to defend human dignity and to constitute a united people.
The mass was also attended by Caridad Diego Bello, head of the Office of Attention to Religious Affairs of the Central Committee of the Party; Alpidio Alonso Grau, Minister of Culture, and other authorities of the Party, the government and the diplomatic corps accredited in the country.
As part of the commemorations for the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both States, Monsignor Richard Gallagher makes the first official visit to Cuba, after the beginning of the pontificate of Leo XIV.
