Francis greets guests in the Vatican embassy in Havana

Pope Francis left the Vatican's embassy to greet some guests who were allowed to get close for a visit with the pontiff on his first night in Havana.

About 30 to 40 pre-selected guests were allowed to approach the Vatican's nunciature in the upscale Miramar neighborhood of the Cuban capital. Francis came outside to greet them after dinner.

The Vatican estimates 100,000 people lined Francis' motorcade route into town from the airport.

"Here he comes! Here he comes!" shouted hundreds of people waiting outside the residence as Francis approached.

On his arrival, people shouted: "Francis! Brother, now you are a Cuban!"

Pope Francis entered the residence of the papal ambassador waving to cheering Cubans and tourists gathered outside. The crowds dispersed afterwards, leaving only a heavy police presence.

Previously, the Vatican spokesman said that it's possible that Pope Francis will meet with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, though this has not been confirmed.

Monsignor Federico Lombardi told journalists that "it is possible that this happens."

Lombardi says that if the meeting does occur, it could be on Sunday in Havana.

During his flight to Havana, Francis told of a meeting with a Syrian family Saturday morning as he headed out of the Vatican. In his words, "you could see the pain in their faces."

He called again for "bridges of peace" to prevail to end wars and help stem the tide of migrants.

Francis is expected to make immigration one of the major themes of his Sept. 19-28 trip, particularly on the U.S. leg that begins Tuesday.