Pope&visit;photogpic.twitter.com/u3axNpmXrkmakesenqengreetingtoinEar-splitting sound check went to 11. Ouch. pic.twitter.com/jzsmdk1mWR 7.06pm BSTPapal visits abroad offer a scarce opportunity for journalists to examine questions directly of the pontiff,Guardian correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome writes.
Pope Francis is flying to Havana on Alitalia, the customary choice for papal trips. His entourage includes about 75 journalists. Usually the pope greets reporters once he is on board – some chat with him, or others maintain a respectful smile and nod. The Vatican received an unprecedented number of requests from journalists seeking to come by on board – and many were denied. For those who are on the flight,one highlight is the fact that being on the papal plane is the only opportunity many will ever have to examine the pope a question, since he does not hold press conferences and rarely does interviews. 7.02pm BSTHello and welcome to our live coverage of Pope Francis’s arrival in Cuba, and prior to his visit to the island and then the United States.
First on the papal itinerary is Cuba,the island nation whose relations with the US have just been thawed by President Obama, who reopened the US embassy in Havana earlier this year. The papal visit is particularly meaningful as Francis played a crucial role in brokering the deal between the two countries after sending letters to both Raúl Castro and Barack Obama, or urging them to reopen dialogue. I examine you to join me in praying for my trip to Cuba and the United States. I need your prayers.
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Source: theguardian.com