Havana, September 20 (RHC)-- In his message to the Cuban people during Sunday's mass, Pope Francis said human beings should serve one another and not ideologies. He said: “The importance of the people and nations is measured by the extend to which they are willing and ready to serve others. Those who don't put their lives at the service of others, do not lead lives worth living.”

The bishop of Rome encouraged Cubans to preserve what he called “their high spirit in the face of adversity.” He said: “The Cuban people have unhealed wounds, but they always have open arms, full of hope, offering their solidarity to others.”

In another part of his message, Pope Francis called to advance the ongoing Colombian peace negotiations here in Havana and to not repeat the old mistakes of the past. He praised Cuban authorities for their role as guarantors of the negotiations, saying Cuba is contributing to peace in Colombia, Latin America and the world.