MIAMI, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama paid a surprise visit Thursday to a Miami church popular with Cuban exiles, amid moves by Washington and Havana to normalise ties after five decades of enmity.

“The president is visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami to pay his respects to the Cuban-American diaspora that worships there,” said Bernadette Meehan, National Security Council spokeswoman.

“He will honour the sacrifices that Cuban-Americans have made in their pursuit of liberty and opportunity, as well as their extraordinary contributions to our country.”

The visit carries dual political significance.

The Catholic church — up to and including Pope Francis — has been deeply involved in efforts to thaw ties between Havana and Washington.

Francis will visit the White House in September.

Meanwhile many of Miami’s older, more conservative Cuban emigre population, who still play an outsized role in US electoral politics, are skeptical about Obama’s moves to restore ties with the Communist island.

The White House will want to reassure them Obama’s motives are noble.

Inside the shrine, Obama stood before a vast brown and cream mural depicting Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Christopher Columbus and Cuban national hero Jose Marti.