Poggio Bustone, December 21 (RHC)--The pilgrimage along the path of St. Francis of Assisi to demand the end of the U.S. blockade against Cuba, left today from Poggio Bustone in Italy on the third and penultimate stage of the journey to Rome.

This day's walk covers 38 kilometers to the community of Poggio San Lorenzo, with an intermediate stop to regain strength in the city of Rieti.

The Bridges of Love project coordinator, Carlos Lazo, is leading the march together with the president of the Association for Economic and Cultural Exchange with Italy, Michele Curto, and the coordinator of Associations of Cuban Residents in Italy, Ada Galano.

The group covered on Monday the second leg of the journey of more than 100 kilometers, started in the city of Assisi in the framework of the initiative "Way of Love" also promoted by the Christian community San Egidio, AsiCuba Umbria, the  Sano (Healthy)network,  Fair and Solidarity and the Student Missionary League, among other organizations.

The walk's goal is to raise awareness of the need for the total elimination of the unilateral coercive measures imposed by Washington on the Caribbean nation for six decades while promoting peace in the Americas and the rest of the world.

United around these goals, the pilgrims endure the rigors of the winter journey through forests and mountains, along rocky and often steep paths, in an atmosphere of great camaraderie and solidarity.