Pope Francis met Cuba"s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on Sunday hours after warning Cubans to beware the dangers of ideology and the lure of selfishness as their country enters a new era of closer ties with the United States.

Latin America"s first pope and Castro, the region"s last surviving leftist icon of the 20th century, discussed religion and world affairs at the home of the 89-year-old retired president for about 40 minutes.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the meeting, which included Castro"s wife and other family members, was "very relaxed, fraternal and friendly."

 Pope Francis will travel to  Washington from Cuba where he is due to meet with President Barack Obama.