Pope Francis on Sunday hailed the release of Cuban prisoners as a “gesture of great hope” that he prayed would be undertaken elsewhere, as he welcomed an agreement the Vatican helped facilitate as part of a three-way dialogue with Washington and Havana that dates back to the Cuban missile crisis.

The Cuban government announced that it would release hundreds of political prisoners, citing inspiration from Pope Francis' emphasis on mercy for prisoners during the Jubilee Year.

The deal, which comes less than a week before President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, also includes rolling back a 2017 memorandum issued during his first term.

Trump’s decision to return Cuba to the list of state sponsors of terrorism ensures that the U.S. remains vigilant of rogue regimes such as Cuba’s | Opinion

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ROME — Pope Francis on Sunday hailed the release of Cuban prisoners as a “gesture of great hope” that he prayed would be undertaken elsewhere, as he welcomed an agreement the Vatican helped ...

ROME — Pope Francis on Sunday hailed the release of Cuban prisoners as a “gesture of great hope” that he prayed would be undertaken elsewhere, as he welcomed an agreement the Vatican helped ...

Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more. ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Sunday hailed the release of Cuban prisoners as a “gesture ...

Cuba said this week that it was releasing 553 prisoners “in the spirit of” Francis’ 2025 Holy Year and had informed the pope of its decision ahead of time.

Pope Francis expressed the hope that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that came into effect on Sunday, Jan. 19, “would be respected immediately by all the parties [involved]” and would lead to “the release of all the hostages” and the rapid provision of urgently needed humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza.

Federal Workers Told to Inform on Colleagues Trying to Evade D.E.I. Crackdown Justice Department orders a halt to civil rights work. Budget nominee hints at work requirements for Medicaid. Local ...

Popular author and preacher Francis Chan was recently questioned by fellow pastors who are trying to get their heads around Chan's decision to leave his megachurch. "I'll be honest. Everybody thinks you're cuckoo for cocoa puffs. You got a good church ...