Santiago de Cuba, September 22 (RHC)-- Pope Francis left Santiago de Cuba a few minutes past 12 noon local time, flying to the United States to begin his pastoral visit there. 

His Holiness was seen off at the Antonio Maceo International Airport by Cuban President Raul Castro and other government officials and Cuban religious leaders.

The Pope arrived in our country on Saturday and celebrated Masses in Havana on Sunday, in Holguin on Monday and in Santiago de Cuba, at the El Cobre Sanctuary, early Tuesday morning.

In all of his encounters during his pastoral visit to Cuba, Pope Francis was received with warmth and respect, as is characteristic of the Cuban people.

Speaking shortly before his departure, in an address delivered at the Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba, Pope Francis thanked the Cuban people for making him feel at home, as a part of the Cuban family.