Pope Francis has congratulated the United States and Cuba for the historic thaw announced between Washington and the communist-run Caribbean island.
"The Holy Father wishes to express his warm congratulations for the historic decision taken by the governments of the United States of America and Cuba to establish diplomatic relations, with the aim of overcoming, in the interest of the citizens of both countries, the difficulties which have marked their recent history," the Vatican said in a statement on Wednesday.
It added that the pontiff had sent letters to the US and Cuban leaders in recent months and offered their delegations his offices in October to "facilitate" dialogue.
Obama on Wednesday thanked Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, for playing a key role in brokering the rapprochement between the Cold War foes, separated by just 150km of choppy seas.
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