Security officials in Cuba reportedly prevented dissidents from meeting with Pope Francis or attending religious services in Cuba, "raising further questions about the Castro regime’s commitment to political reforms amid warming ties with the United States."

Two prominent dissidents, Marta Beatriz Roque and Miriam Leiva were detained before they could accept an invitation to meet with the Pope.  "Both were also prevented from attending a vespers service with the Pope on Sunday at the historic cathedral in Havana."

Additionally, security officials prohibited more than 20 members of the dissident group Ladies in White from attending a Mass with the Pope. During the service, authorities also grabbed individuals who were passing out opposition pamphlets.

A Vatican spokesman said the Pope had wanted to “show an attention for everyone, including dissidents.”

The U.S. normalized relations with Cuba late last year claiming that engaging ith Cuba would help the treatment of government opponents. Apparently not.

Cuban dissidents were not invited to the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana lst month although Secretary Kerry met separately with them.

Catholic leaders in Cuba have come under fire from the dissidents for their close relationship with the Castro regime. Cuban Cardinal Jaime Ortega said in June that he had no knowledge of any political prisoners that were still behind bars, adding that, “It’s really difficult to interpret who’s a political prisoner.”

Pope Francis met with Fidel Castro for 40 minutes on Sunday and will fly to the U.S. on Tuesday.