They sang in joy, in celebration, and with new hope.
Cubans attending Christmas services had reason to be hopeful, as Cardinal Jaime Ortega speaking at a Havana church addressed the Pope's involvement in renewed talks between the United States and Cuba.
"The news that was announced, with the intervention of the Pope and the U.S.," Ortega told the crowd. "It's not just a coincidence with this date."
Pop Francis served as an intermediary, offering the Vatican for meetings between the U.S. and Cuban officials. The result: an historic announcement by the presidents of both countries that they would seek a normalization of relations and an end to the U.S. embargo.
The news stunned the island nation.
"Really, it was what we had asked for for Christmas," said one man.
Havana's cardinal said the Pope's involvement was the result of a process that has taken more than 20 years. But Ortega feels now the time is right.
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"All the senators, even Republicans and Democrats, passing through Cuba have told me it's the moment," Ortega said. "The most important, the most hopeful, for a change in the relationship between Cuba and the United States."
In fact, the Cuban government has allowed the church increasing freedoms since 1998, when Pope John Paul II made the first papal visit to the island in Cuban history. Now, Christmas trees stand openly, on displays in hotel lobbies, stores, restaurants and private residences. Such displays were unacceptable in the past.
This progressive movement is why some see a change in relations not so much as a Christmas miracle, or even a result of papal diplomacy, but as an inevitable step for both countries.
"It was something that sooner or later would have been lifted," said one churchgoer. "But the Pope had a major influence in that."
The possibility of reconciliation after more than half a century of cold war has given new optimism, and new faith, to the faithful.
"The Pope interceded," said another at the church. "We have so many problems, so much necessity in this country."
