HAVANA (WSVN) — Crews have been hard at work Friday morning, getting Revolutionary Square ready for the thousands of people that will come to hear the Pope speak over the weekend.
When the Pope arrives, he will be visiting a nation of contradictions. "I think everybody is excited," said a local. In fact the congregation at Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Parish in Havana is so excited that workers are readying the cathedral for a visit from Pope Francis, even though he’s not scheduled to make a stop there.
"It would be a great honor, and a great joy for our community and the Jesuits," said a member of the Parish.
Pope Francis is also a Jesuit. Their order is based largely on education and administering to the poor. Even if the Holy Father is unable to come to the church, members and visitors wanted to make their devotion known.
Hundreds have signed large posters with messages such as "Give us your blessing," and "Please help the prisons of Cuba."
Upon his arrival in Cuba, the Pope will find a land of dichotomy. Symbols of Marxism are made visible next to gift shops selling inexpensive trinkets, tourists on their smart phones while 1950’s cars barrel down pothole ravaged streets.
The regime that banned religion for decades is now hosting it’s third Papal visit.
"I think he’s got a great message. He’s kind of the people’s Pope," said one tourist. "So for those that maybe weren’t able to practice as much as they would’ve like to, I think it’s quite nice that he’s coming here and recognizing them."
Many of the tourists in Havana said even though they didn’t plan their trip to Cuba surrounding the Pope’s visit, they do hope to make it out to Revolutionary Square and hear what he has to say.