Vatican City, Dec 18 (IANS/Prensa Latina): Pope Francis has welcomed the first step for the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US, after more than half a century of bilateral rift.
According to a communiqué released by the Holy See Wednesday, the Pontiff is strongly pleased with the re-establishment of relations, to overcome in the interest of citizens of both nations the difficulties that mark their history.
The Pope's message came to light minutes after Cuban President Raul Castro and his US counterpart Barack Obama addressed their respective nations to announce the new future of bilateral ties.
In their speeches, both presidents thanked the Pope for his mediation in the dialogue.