Pope Francis Addresses Struggles Of Catholics In Cuba

WASHINGTON D.C. (WJZ) -- Huge crowds turned out in the heat to cheer Pope Francis as he rode through the streets of the birthplace of Fidel and Raul Castro.

He celebrated the feast of St. Matthew during an open air mass and used the opportunity to acknowledge the difficulties still facing the Catholic Church in Cuba following decades of suppression under the Castro regime.

"I know the efforts and the sacrifices being made by the church in Cuba," Pope Francis said, "to bring Christ's word and presence to all."

The pope also called on Cubans to believe in the possibility of change.