Cordial Meeting between Fidel Castro and Benedict XVI in Havana

Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro, and Pope Benedict XVI met in this capital on Wednesday, shortly after a mass officiated by the Supreme Pontiff to hundreds of thousands of people.

According to The Vatican´s spokesman, Federico Lombardi, the 30-minute meeting held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Havana was carried out very cordially. In a statement to reporters at the National Hotel´s press room, Lombardi said that they talked about the current world situation, as well as topics related to science, culture, and technology.

Benedict XVI and Fidel Castro also talk about the Church liturgy and its changes in the last decades, added the spokesman.

According to Lombardi, the Pope also expressed his joy for being in Cuba and expressed gratitude for the welcome, while Fidel Castro showed interest for the work of a Supreme Pontiff.

The Cuban leader met with John Paul II fourteen years ago, in which was then the first visit of a Holy Father to Cuba.

Tuesday, Fidel Castro had predicted the possibility of a meeting with Benedict XVI, who concludes today a three-day apostolic trip in the framework of the Jubilee Year for the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the image of the Virgin of La Caridad del Cobre, the patron saint of Cuba.

It will be a great pleasure to greet and meet with Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday, as I did with John Paul II, said Fidel in his most recent reflections.

The head of State of the Vatican City will return to Rome this afternoon, after accomplishing a busy agenda in the Caribbean country. (Taken from PL)