Cuba is working on many fronts to advance its international insertion after the breakthrough restoration of diplomatic ties with the United States. However, progress is gradual and uneven. A first agreement on Cuba's debt has been reached with the Paris Club, underscoring Cuba's interest in regaining access to financial markets. The Latin American Development Bank (CAF) is the first international financial institution to engage with Cuba, but broader cooperation still faces difficulties.
The popular pope's visit will strengthen the Church's political position as Cuba's most important non-state institution.
It will also add to pressure on the US Congress from the White House to lift sanctions.
Cooperation with CAF and other bodies will require Cuba to supply transparent and comprehensive economic data -- mostly still lacking.
Economic reform is likely to see major new liberalisation measures before the Communist Party congress scheduled for April 2016.
