program of the year, we continue our conversation on pope francis with austen ivereigh. is a british writer commentator, and co-founder of catholic voices. ivereigh is the author of a new biography called, "the great reformer: francis and the making of a radical pope." earlier this month, president obama thanked pope francis by name for his role in negotiating a more open policy on cuba. the vatican also released a statement noting the pontiff had hosted delegations from both countries in october to negotiate the deal after he had written to both leaders. pope francis also commented on the achievement. >> today we are all happy because we've seen how to nations who were separated for many years, yesterday, took a step closer to each other. you see, this was brought about my ambassadors, by diplomacy. your work is a noble one. very noble. >> the announcement of the vatican's role in the u.s.-cuba negotiations is also noteworthy, because pope francis plans his first trip to the united states next september. the vatican has not said he will also travel to cuba then. austen i