by 
HAVANA — Hundreds of thousands of Cubans swept into the electric Revolution Plaza to see Pope Francis say Mass on the first leg of a trip that will also take him from Cuba to Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia.
Thousands of singing, clapping Cubans began streaming into the square several hours before Mass began. Pope Francis smiled and waved to the huge, adoring crowds as he rode through the city streets in a partially glass-enclosed "popemobile" en route to the Mass. He exited the vehicle from time to time to warmly shake hands with some of the people.
Jose Rafael Velazquez, 54, arrived with his wife at the plaza three hours early. He admitted he was more interested in the historical aspects of the visit than he was in religion.
“We also are very hopeful for this visit, because the pope was key in the deal with the United States,” Velaquez told the Associated Press. “Ever since the announcement, there have been changes and this visit gives me more hope that it’ll get better.” And this leads to the thinking that the Pope is here convert the Cubans to the Catholic faith by helping them with their trade issues with the United States Of America.
The Pope also gave a beautiful homily about service to the people, even the CNN reporters covering the event are finding it difficult to understand it.
The Mass is just the beginning of a busy day for the pope, who will also see the Cuban President Raul Castro and possibly Castro’s brother, Fidel then a night of prayer service and a meeting with young people is also scheduled.
Francis arrived here Saturday to thousands of cheering, flag-waving Cubans who turned out along his route through capital city. It was an enthusiastic showing for the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in a country where, according to one recent survey, less than one-third of its residents consider themselves Catholic.
“This is a visit for all Cubans, for all who want peace, not just Catholics,” said Orlando Alfaro, 43, who works for a tour company in Havana. “This is great for Cuba and great for Cubans.”
Peace and reconciliation are expected to be major themes of the pontiff’s four-day Cuba visit, which includes stops in Havana, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.