On the feast of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Pope made special mention of Cubans celebrating their patron saint.

Pope Francis, at today’s general audience, addressed a special message to the people of Cuba. “On this day Cubans celebrate their patroness and mother, the Virgen de la Caridad de Cobre,” Francis said.

After summarizing the Spanish-language catechesis, Francis wished that “wherever there are Cubans today, may they experience the tenderness of Mary and may She lead everyone to Christ the Savior.”

The pontiff also recalled his pilgrimage to the Marian shrine in September 2015. And he took the opportunity to “present once again at the feet of the Virgin of Charity: the life, dreams, hopes and pains of the Cuban people.”

With files from Zenit

Compiled by Gustavo Kralj