Pope Francis has arrived in Havana at the start of a 10-day trip to Cuba and the United States.

In a speech after arriving in Cuba, Pope Francis praised the resumption of US-Cuban diplomatic relations. He had previously mediated talks between the two countries that led to an agreement to reopen their embassies.

Speaking at Havana Airport, he said "we have witnessed an event which fills us with hope: the process of normalising relations between two peoples following years of estrangement. It is a sign of the victory of the culture of encounter and dialogue".

"I urge political leaders to persevere on this path and to develop all its potentialities as a proof of the high service which they are called to carry out on behalf of the peace and well-being of their peoples, of all America, and as an example of reconciliation for the entire world," he added.

Later in the visit he will become the first Pope to address US Congress.

He will also go to the United Nations to press his agenda on migration, the environment and religious persecution in front of over 100 world leaders.

Father Michael Collins is the author of a book about the Pope, and says this is an important visit: