(ANSA) - Padua, April 24 - Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said on Friday that Pope Francis' decision to visit Cuba represented "encouragement to move forward".
"I think the Holy Father's decision to go to Cuba in the context of travel to America is in relation to what happened in recent months, which is the meeting between the two countries after a long time of coldness, misunderstandings and conflict", the cardinal said a theological inauguration in Padua. Parolin said, "The Pope's visit will truly be an encouragement to move forward confidently", and that the pope's role was of "support and peace".
The Vatican announced early in the week that Pope Francis will visit Cuba on his way to his United States tour in September.
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Pope's Cuba visit 'encouragement to move
'Peaceful and supportive role' says Vatican Sec of State