Pope urges help for Cuban migrants stranded in Central America

VATICAN CITY, (Reuters) – Pope Francis urged Central American governments yesterday to find an urgent solution to help thousands of U.S.-bound Cuban migrants stranded on the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Nicaragua has refused to let the growing number of Cubans trying to reach the United States who have become stuck in Costa Rica pass through its territory. About 5,000 Cubans are estimated to be on the border.

Speaking from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square to ten of thousands of people gathered for his Sunday blessing, Francis said many of those stranded were victims of human trafficking.