Pope Francis Arrives in Havana, Cuba

This begins a 10-day trip to Cuba and the U.S.

ByABC News

September 19, 2015, 5:28 PM

Pope Francis waves from his popemobile as he leaves the airport and arrives to Havana, Cuba, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015. Pope Francis began his 10-day trip to Cuba and the United States, embarking on his first trip to the onetime Cold War foes after helping to nudge forward their historic rapprochement.
Ismael Francisco/Cubadebate Via AP

 -- Pope Francis arrived in Havana, Cuba, this afternoon, beginning his 10-day visit to Cuba and the United States.

After he stepped off the plane, he was met by Cuban President Raúl Castro. The two then greeted several children.

As Francis addressed the cheering crowds at the Jose Marti International Airport, he praised the U.S. and Cuba for normalizing relations after many years of estrangement. He called it "an event which fills us with hope."

"It is a sign of the victory of the culture of encounter and dialogue," he said, also urging political leaders to "persevere on this path."

"It is time for reconciliation," he said.

Pope Francis Visits Cuba: Live Updates

"The world needs reconciliation in this atmosphere of World War III during this period in which we are now living," he said, looking over at the Cuban president.

Castro spoke before the pope, welcoming him to Cuba. Castro thanked Francis for helping Cuba restore ties with the U.S., but also added that Guantanamo should be returned to Cuba.

Francis is the third pontiff to visit Cuba in the last 17 years.

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