The mass celebrated by Pope Francis was attended by an estimated 300,000 Cubans. The Argentinian pope is the first to be elected from South America. Following the mass, Pope Francis met with Cuban revolutionary reader and former president Fidel Castro.
Argentinean President Cristina Kirchner and Cuban President Raul Castro both attended the mass. The mass was held on a huge plaza overlooked by some state buildings where the massive portrait of the revolutionary leaders Ernesto "Che" Guevarra and Camilo Cienfuegos can be seen.
According to Al Jazeera, the head of the Catholic Church met the 89-year iconic leader at the latter's home. The two international figure discussed world affairs and religion during their meeting. Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said that the meeting lasted for about 40 minutes and claim that it was "very familiar, fraternal and friendly."
Pope Francis landed in Cuba on Sept. 19. Before the mass held on Sept. 20, the pontiff met the massive crowd of people while in his popemobile. While on parade, the pope grasp hands with some of the nearby attendees
During the parade, three dissidents attempted to approach the pope but were wrestled to the ground by security personnel. Reports claim that at least one of them was able to speak directly to the pontiff.
According to The Guardian, Pope Francis played a vital role in restoring the diplomatic tie between the United States and Cuba. Reports claim that Pope Francis came to visit Cuba in order to bless the new union between the two states.
From Cuba, Pope Francis will fly to Washington on Sept. 22 to meet US President Barrack Obama and is also scheduled to address the US Congress and the United Nations.