Vatican City, September 26 (PL-RHC) –- Pope Francis has received a letter from the International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban Five, updating him on the continuing plight of the remaining three members of the group, languishing in U.S. jails for the past 16 years.

In an audience with the Pope, Father Antonio Tarzia, Cassiodorus of Association, and Professor Luciano Vasapollo, professor at the University La Sapienza, delivered the letter which also calls for the return to Cuba of Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero and Ramón Labañino.

Hernández, Labañino and Guerrero were arrested on September 12, 1998 in Miami along with Fernando González and René González. The latter two were released after serving their prison terms.

The Pope was appraised on the circumstances leading to the arrest of the Cuban Five who were on a mission to prevent terrorist acts against the Cuban people, planned by individuals and violent groups from south Florida.

A global initiative to secure the release of the three remaining members of the Cuban Five has been instituted by delegates from 40 countries who attended a conference in Havana recently.