• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

What Pope Francis Did During His Flight From Cuba to the US

1:48
Pope Francis Kicks Off Historic US Trip
Andrew Harnik/AP Photo
ByMEGHAN KENEALLY
September 22, 2015, 8:15 PM

— -- It was a bit of a busy flight for Pope Francis.

In addition to sending a tweet thanking the Cuban people, he sent two telegrams per the Vatican tradition and held a mini press conference.

Whenever the pope flies over a country’s airspace, he sends out an official telegram greeting to that nation’s leader.

Vatican Radio reproduces the Pope’s telegrams as he travels and they released the messages that he sent to Raul Castro, expressing “my deep gratitude” and thanking “all the Cuban people for your warm welcome to the country.

The second telegram went to the Governor General of the Bahamas, noting that he was passing over the country and wishing them blessings.

The pope also answered seven questions from reporters while on the plane headed to D.C. this afternoon.

His answers came in a mix of English and Spanish, and touched on the controversial embargo against Cuban goods. He said that he is not likely to mention the embargo specifically.

He also talked about his meeting with Fidel Castro, saying that they spoke about history and Jesuits that they knew.

Capitalism, dissidents, and pardons were also addressed.

Get real-time updates as this story unfolds. To start, just "star" this story in ABC News' phone app. Download ABC News for iPhone here or ABC News for Android here.

Up Next in News—

Officer nearly shoots student playing with water gun in a senior game

May 15, 2026

Can I get hantavirus from my pet? Here's what pet owners should know

May 14, 2026

Florida teens speak out after helping man experiencing a heart attack

May 14, 2026

Spirit Airlines employees file class-action lawsuit against carrier over lost wages

May 14, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News