Pope Says Has ‘heartfelt Affection’ For All Cubans

SANTIAGO, Cuba (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI says he has “heartfelt affection” for all Cubans, both on the island and in exile.

The pontiff says in his arrival speech that Cubans are ever present in his heart and prayers, “wherever they may be.” He spoke in the eastern city of Santiago, where he is kicking off a three-day tour.

Cuban President Raul Castro greeted him at the airport, just days after Benedict declared the island’s Marxist system outdated.

Benedict is on a mission to renew the faith in Latin America’s least Catholic country. Less than 10 percent of the population is observant.

The pope is to celebrate a huge outdoor Mass later Monday in Santiago’s main square.