Prior to officiating mass in Havana- the first of three scheduled masses by the holy father during his stay in Cuba until September 22nd -- Pope Francis waved to the people from his popemobile as he arrived at the iconic Revolution Square.

Also on hand during the mass were visiting Argentinean President Cristina Fernández and the First Lady of Panama, Lorena Castillo, as well as members of diplomatic corps accredited here, representatives from all religious denominations in Cuba and the Cuban Council of Churches, and other Cuban government and Communist Party officials.

Nearly 1,000 Cuban and foreign journalists are covering the pope's visit to Cuba –the third by a bishop of Rome in less than 20 years.

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