Pope Francis calls for peace, dialogue in Cuba

Pope Francis waves as he leaves after leading Angelus prayer from his window at the Vatican following intestinal surgery, at the Vatican, July 18, 2021. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

Pope Francis called on Sunday for peace and dialogue in Cuba after unprecedented, nationwide protests rocked the communist-run country.

"I am also close to the dear people of Cuba in these difficult times," Francis said in his weekly address to the faithful in St. Peter's Square, his first public appearance since returning to the Vatican after an 11-day hospital stay.

The pope also urged an end to the recent violence in South Africa and called the deadly floods in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands a "catastrophe".

Cuban community hold flags of Cuba during the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis, in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, July 18, 2021. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Crispian Balmer)

Cuban community hold flags of Cuba, ahead of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis, in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, July 18, 2021. REUTERS/Remo Casilli