At the friendly private meeting which lasted for over 40 minutes, Diaz-Canel reportedly thanked Francis for his solidarity toward the Cuban nation.
The encounter was attended, too, by the island’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and several of his deputy ministers. The two sides reportedly exchanged greetings and gifts. The Cuban Head of State presented the Supreme Pontiff a work of art representative of Cuban culture.
As a present, the Vatican gave Diaz-Canel a handmade sculpture of poly-chrome bronze design by Michele Palazzetti.
Diaz-Canel who was accompanied by his wife Lis Cuesta conveyed his happiness about Francis recovery of the abdominal hernia operation he had days ago. “It’s good to see you recovered” said Diaz-Canel, “me too” Francis replied.
The meeting was held in the office adjacent to the Paul VI Hall, where major Vatican events are held.
On July 12 last year, the Pope said “Cuba is a symbol (of peace), Cuba has a great history”, and added “I love the Cuban people very much”.
A few days later, on August 10 of that year, Francis expressed his “closeness in a special way to those affected” by the tragedy caused by the explosions and fire at an oil base in the western Cuban province of Matanzas.
On October 2, he conveyed his sorrow for the victims caused by Hurricane Ian, which hit western Cuba causing havoc particularly in Pinar del Rio province.
Then, on January 14, 2023, the Bishop of Rome sent a message to the people of Cuba, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s visit to the island, in which he thanked them “for the example of cooperation and mutual help that bonds the two States”.
With “the spirit that characterizes you, open, welcoming and supportive, continue walking together with hope, knowing that always, and particularly in the midst of adversities”, he wished on that occasion.
A few days later, on January 24, Pope Francis greeted the V International Conference for the Balance of the World, held in Cuba, where he emphasized the importance of the thought of the national hero of that country, José Martí.
During this meeting, according to Vatican sources, Francis gave Díaz-Canel a bronze work of art of a dove carrying an olive branch, with the inscription “Be messengers of peace”, as well as the book on the Statio Orbis of March 27, 2020 and a copy of this year’s Message for Peace.
For his part, the Cuban President gave the Pontiff a sculpture in silver, bronze and wood, entitled “The Reader”, as well as two volumes of Cuban poetry by various authors.
After the meeting, the Cuban president met at the Secretariat of State with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, whose meeting and the issues discussed, including the request for the release of prisoners, will be reported later by the Vatican.
This visit to the Holy See by Diaz-Canel is the third made by a Cuban leader, after the one made in November 1996 by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, who was received by Pope St. John Paul II, and the one in May 2015 by Army General Raul Castro, who met with Francis.
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