HAVANA (WSVN) — The Cuban government detaining 50 dissidents during a peaceful protest, a week ahead of a visit from Pope Francis.

Cuba’s Ladies in White staged a peaceful protest Sunday. The demonstrators marched through the streets of Havana hoping for a response from the pontiff. They said they want to speak with him about human rights when he arrives on the Caribbean island, but he hasn’t responded to requests for a meeting.

"We also hope that Pope Francis hears not only the Cuban regime, but also hears from people who are urging to be heard, who are in need, in this case the Ladies in White," said Berta Soler, speaking in Spanish. "The Ladies in White requested months ago that when the pope arrives in Cuba, for him to be able to have an audience with us, for one minute, and up to now, we have had no response."

Last week, the Cuban government announced it would release more than 3,500 prisoners before the pope arrives, but none of them would be political prisoners. The Ladies in White are also calling for the release of political prisoners.

Pope Francis is set to arrive in Cuba on Saturday for his four-day visit to the country.

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