Obama and Raul Castro announce US-Cuba diplomatic normalization

President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro delivered simultaneous televised addresses on December 17, 2014, announcing a diplomatic normalization after 18 months of secret talks facilitated by Canada and the Vatican. Obama ordered Secretary of State John Kerry to begin negotiations to reopen embassies in Havana and Washington. Cuba released US contractor Alan Gross, who had been imprisoned for five years while distributing satellite communications equipment under a USAID contract, and the United States released three Cuban intelligence agents in exchange. Pope Francis sent personal letters to both presidents urging reconciliation, and the Vatican hosted the final negotiating session.