ABC11's Steve Daniels first day in Cuba for historic Pope visit

As Pope Francis embarks on his historic trip to the Americas, ABC11's Steve Daniels is in Cuba with a behind the scenes look.

HAVANA, Cuba (WTVD) -- Pope Francis flies into Havana on Saturday and across the island, Cubans are excitedly looking at the pope's 10-day trip to Cuba and the United States through the lens of his role as the mediator of detente between the two countries. Many say they expect the visit to help transform the diplomatic warming from a phase of abstract political negotiation into real benefits for the Cuban people.

Vatican officials are cautioning that the pope's mission is pastoral, not political, saying people should expect no explicit diplomatic message. But some longtime observers of Francis said it is clear he sees the visit as many Cubans do - as the second stage of his role in midwifing normal relations between Washington and Havana.

As Pope Francis embarks on his historic trip to the Americas, ABC11 is in Cuba with American Catholics.
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Steve Daniels is giving us a behind the scenes look. Here are some photos from his arrival.

Day 1 in Cuba

As Pope Francis embarks on his historic trip to the Americas, ABC11's Steve Daniels is in Cuba with a behind the scenes look.