Pope Benedict has met Cuban President Raul Castro on the second day of his visit to the communist-run island, BBC News reported.
The Pope's visit is seen as an effort to further improve relations and increase the role of the church in Cuban society at a time of rapid change.
In a short opinion piece on the government's website, former President Fidel Castro announced he would be happy to meet Pope Benedict, after speculation of a possible meeting.
According to AP, Mr Castro said: "I will happily greet His Excellency Pope Benedict XVI as I did John Paul II, a man for whom contact with children and the humble generated feelings of affection."
The pope's visit marks the 400th anniversary of the discovery of a statue of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre – also known as the Mambisa Virgin – which was found floating in a bay by fishermen. It was revered by Cuba's independence heroes.
The pope is scheduled to leave on Wednesday, March 28 afternoon after a Mass in Havana's Revolution Plaza.
