Pope Benedict the 16th is urging an end to the U.S.’s economic embargo on Cuba.

Upon wrapping up his three-day visit to Cuba, the pontiff said economic sanctions from outside the country unfairly burden the Cuban people and make it difficult for Cuba to create a new, harmonious society.

The U.S. and Cuba have had hostile relations since Fidel Castro toppled a pro-American government and came to power in 1959.

In 1962, the U.S. slapped Cuba with an economic embargo, which has now been in place for more than a half century.