Kerry thanks Pope in Havana

The US Embassy in Cuba was officially reopened on 14 August, 54 years after America broke off relations and closed it, writes Katherine Backler.

In his speech at the ceremony, US Secretary of State John Kerry thanked Pope Francis and the Vatican “for promoting a new start in relations between our two countries”, referring to the Holy See’s pivotal role in healing the fracture. After the ceremony Mr Kerry met Havana’s Cardinal, Jaime Ortega y Alamino (pictured).