Local Cubans react to Pope Francis visiting Cuba

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Havana is celebrating the visit of a third Pontiff in 18 years. The attention of Pope Francis is raising hope for change in Cuba, with an emphasis on human rights.

Cuban expatriates in Houston, certainly those whose families fled their homeland when Castro came into power question how great change may be.

Eddie de la Vega's parents left when communism was instituted, when their lands and property became property of the government.

"Anytime anyone with gravitas like the Pope, with that command, can come to a country that's violated human rights throughout its history and demands civil liberties, that's a good thing," he said.

And then there's the San Juan family. Angel San Juan's parents are in their 80's now. He was born here, and was raised on his parents' accounts of what they had lost, and what had been taken from them by a dictator.

"I think the pope has faith, the right kind of faith in change, but I don't think the Castro brothers are acting with the same kind of good will," said San Juan.

At 29, Javier Gonzalez is Cuban born, but now a U.S. citizen. He left his homeland 10 years ago. Educated as a veterinarian, he now lives in Houston, and has a website, HoustonCubans.com. He is more hopeful, of change, in large part because of the end to U.S. sanctions, and the re-opening of a U.S. embassy in Havana.

"I think it will open up Cuba to the outside. Finally we can get some celebrities and big musicians there," he said.