May the memory of John Paul II's visit to Cuba 25 years ago, from January 21 to 25, 1998, give "new impetus to continue building the future of this nation with hope and determination". Pope Francis thus greets Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez, archbishop of San Cristóbal de La Habana, the Cuban bishops and all the faithful, through a letter brought by Cardinal Beniamino Stella, visiting the country and who, during the journey of Wojtyla, was Apostolic Nuncio and was therefore, as the Pope writes, "a privileged witness of that event". Francis recalls one of John Paul II's exhortations when he addressed young Cubans: “Face the great challenges of the present moment with strength and temperance, with justice and prudence; return to your Cuban and Christian roots and do everything possible to build an ever more dignified and ever freer future.” Francis also renews his encouragement to return to the “Cuban and Christian roots”, that is, to that identity that “has generated and continues to generate the life of Cuba”.
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