Havana, August 28 (RHC)-- Cuban media are recalling the past visits of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI -- just 22 days before the visit of Pope Francis.  

In this morning's edition of Granma newspaper, with the headline: "Symbol of Respect and Friendship," two full pages are devoted to the papal visits of the two previous Popes.  The two-page spread includes photos taken during the visits in 1998 and 2012.

One photo shows Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro with Pope John Paul II and another depicts the moment when Cuban President Raul Castro officially welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to the Palacio de la Revolución.  Other photos published by Granma today capture the joy of the Cuban people during the Holy Masses celebrated by both ecclesiastical authorities.  

The newspaper notes that Cuba and the Vatican established diplomatic relations in 1935 and have maintained friendly ties for the past 80 years.  Pope Francis will visit Cuba from September 19th to the 22nd and will celebrate Mass in Havana, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.