Vatican City, December 17 (RHC-PL) -- Pope Francis today welcomed the first step towards the restoration of relations between Cuba and the United States after more than half a century of bilateral disputes.

According to a statement issued by the Holy See, the Pope "is highly pleased by the restoration of relations, in order to overcome, in the interest of the respective citizens, the difficulties that have marked its history."

This statement came out minutes after the President of Cuba, Raul Castro, and his U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, will lead their respective nations to inform the new destinations of bilateral ties.

In their speeches, both leaders thanked the Pope for his role as mediator in the dialogue.