Pope Francis has hailed the release of Cuban prisoners as a “gesture of great hope” that he prays will be undertaken elsewhere.

Cuba has begun releasing prisoners following discussions with the Vatican, coinciding with US President Biden's plan to remove the island from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. Over a dozen individuals were freed Wednesday,

Havana denies the releases are linked to U.S. plans to lift Cuba's state sponsor of terrorism designation, framing the move as Vatican-driven.

Cuba has released prominent dissident José Daniel Ferrer from jail, as part of a Cuban government decision to gradually free more than 500 prisoners as part of talks with the Vatican.

Cuba on Wednesday began releasing prisoners jailed following anti-government protests in 2021, making good on a deal with the Catholic Church that prompted the Biden administration to say it would loosen sanctions on the communist-run nation.

Cuba started releasing some prisoners Wednesday as part of talks with the Vatican, a day after President Joe Biden's administration announced his intent to lift the U.S. designation of the island nation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Cuba is beginning to release 553 political prisoners. The best late-night host of all time isn't Leno or Letterman, according to audiences. See the top 20. Dave Ramsey Breaks Down How A $40,000 Car Depreciates By $16,