HAVANA, Cuba - Cuban President Raul Castro, attended the beatification of 19th century 'father of the poor' Jose Ollalo on Saturday.

The first beatification ceremony in Cuba took place in front of thousands of Catholics at the Church of the Virgin of Charity. The ceremony in Camaguey was also broadcast on state television.

Cardinal Jose Saraiva from Portugal, presided over the Mass. Cuban Cardinal Jaime Ortega, Papal Nuncio Luigi Bonazzi, Camaguey Archbishop Juan Garcia, and about 20 Cuban and foreign bishops were also present.

The unannounced arrival of Mr Castro was greeted with applause, a sign of the improving relations between Cuba and the Catholic Church.

Doves were released and bells rung as Friar Olallo's remains, in a gold coloured urn, were taken in a procession through the city.