Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro delivers a valedictory speech Tuesday to the Communist Party that he put in power a half-century ago, telling party members he is nearing the end of his life and exhorting them to help his ideas survive.

Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro vow in Havana to set aside their differences in pursuit of what the US president calls a "new day" for the long bitterly divided neighbors.

Barack Obama landed in Cuba for a historic visit to end a half-century-long Cold War standoff, although rain and a no less heavy police presence dampened the festive mood.

Cuban President Raul Castro has told the UN that normal relations with the US will only be possible if America takes a number of measures including the abolition of its trade embargo.

Pope Francis has met Cuba's former President, Fidel Castro, after celebrating mass in front of tens of thousands of people in Havana.