NEW : Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Cuba , meets with President Raul Castro . Cuba was once an atheist state ; this is only the second papal visit there . Benedict then celebrated Mass in the city 's square , drawing huge crowds , as legions of musicians playing wind and string instruments performed during pauses in his sermon , supported by what appeared to be concert-grade sound systems . Church officials say the country is about 80 % Catholic , though few openly practice .
NEW : Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Cuba , meets with President Raul Castro . Cuba was once an atheist state ; this is only the second papal visit there . Church officials say the country is about 80 % Catholic , though few openly practice .