Havana: Pope Francis has begun his trip to Cuba with a message of solidarity.

After his plane landed at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana on Saturday, the Catholic leader greeted the Cuban people by noting that this year was the 80th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Vatican.

"Today, we renew these co-operative ties and friendship so that the church can continue to support and encourage the Cuban people in their hopes and concerns with the freedom, means and spaces necessary to carry the news of the Lord's kingdom to the existential peripheries of society," he said.

The Pope's 10-day trip will span the island nation and the United States as the two former Cold War enemies make the transition to normal relations.