Havana, April 21 (Prensa Latina) Army General Raúl Castro expressed his deep gratitude and affection for Pope Francis, who died today, calling him a dear friend and a man of integrity and consistency.

In his message, broadcast on national television, the leader of the Cuban Revolution stated that the death of the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church deeply moves him.

I have fond memories of the meetings we held and greatly appreciate his affection for the Cuban people and his personal contribution to fostering fraternal dialogue and understanding in relations between Cuba and the Holy See, which have strengthened during his pontificate, he noted.

He also emphasized that Francis’s life and papacy were examples of tireless struggle in defense of peace and brotherhood among peoples.

His constant concern for the pressing challenges facing humanity and his dedication and commitment to finding a viable yet sustainable solution to these problems will serve as an example to all.

Just as he told me on one occasion, I will also carry him forever in my heart, he expressed.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared this day a day of official mourning for the death of Pope Francis.

The measure will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. local time on April 22nd until midnight on April 24th.

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Havana, April 21 (Prensa Latina) Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared a state of official mourning today for the death of the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Francis, national television reported.

The measure will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. local time on April 22nd until midnight on April 24th.

According to the statement, Pope Francis was very active in seeking solutions to global problems affecting humanity and the environment, and a fervent advocate for peace.

He agreed with Cuba on many issues on the international agenda during his long and distinguished career as head of state and spiritual leader, the text stated, highlighting his contributions to strengthening relations between this Caribbean nation and the Holy See, based on respectful dialogue.

Moved by deep feelings of affection for the Cuban people, he interceded for the improvement of relations between the United States and Cuba, advocating for the U.S. government to abandon its blockade policy against our nation, he emphasized.

The statement also recalled the friendship the Supreme Pontiff maintained with Army General Raúl Castro and his reception of President Miguel Díaz-Canel at the Holy See in June 2023.

While the official mourning period is in effect, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on public buildings and military institutions.

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Havana, April 19 (Prensa Latina) Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez today denounced the continued massacre perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.

In his profile on X, the highest representative of diplomacy of this Caribbean nation pointed out that the Hebrew state exterminates and expels the civilian population of that territory, despite calls to end the genocide.

Meanwhile, he noted, the Zionist government has been preventing the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip since March 2 and has seized 30 percent of Gazan territory under the false pretext of creating “security zones.”

This Thursday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit warned that the Palestinian cause now faces the most dangerous threat in its history, amid what he described as a war of extermination launched by the Israeli army.

Speaking at the 57th session of the Higher Coordination Committee for Joint Arab Action, held in Tunis, the official criticized the international community’s silence.

Aboul Gheit also called for work to strengthen the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom and independence.

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