A woman wears a t-shirt with images of Cuban former president Fidel Castro (L), revolutionary Vilma Espin (C), and Cuba's revolutionary hero Ernesto "Che" Guevara, beside a sticker with an image of Pope Francis during the first mass led by the Pope in his visit to Cuba at Havana's Revolution Square, September 20, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Photographers take images of a tombstone with the name of Cuba's President Raul Castro carved in it at a grave he will share with his late wife Vilma Espin, who died in 2007, at the 2nd Front Mausoleum in the Santiago de Cuba province July 26, 2008. President Raul Castro will mark the 55th anniversary of the start of the Cuban revolution on Saturday with a speech to a nation waiting to hear how far and how fast he plans to go in reforming the island's struggling state-run economy. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

The name of Cuba's President Raul Castro is carved in a tombstone at a grave he will share with his late wife Vilma Espin, who died in 2007, at the 2nd Front Mausoleum in the Santiago de Cuba province July 26, 2008. President Raul Castro will mark the 55th anniversary of the start of the Cuban revolution on Saturday with a speech to a nation waiting to hear how far and how fast he plans to go in reforming the island's struggling state-run economy. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Oskar Lafontaine, leader of Germany's Left Party, walks past a sign of a photo exhibition of Raul Castro's late wife Vilma Espin, outside of Cuba's International Press Center in Havana August 30, 2007. Lafontaine forged the new far-left party this year by merging his Social Democrat splinter group with the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), successor to the Communist Party of East Germany. Lafontaine met with members of Cuba's Communist hierarchy during a three-day visit to Havana. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro (3rd R) and family members stand together during funeral services for his late wife Vilma Espin in Mayari June 22, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/MINFAR/Handout (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro receives the urn containing the ashes of his late wife Vilma Espin in Mayari June 22, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/MINFAR/Handout (CUBA)

A journalist looks at the condolence book in memory of Vilma Espin at Cuba's embassy in Managua June 20, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Oswaldo Rivas (NICARAGUA)

Jose Luis Cortes performs during an event in honor of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

A woman hands out leaflets dedicated to Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, before an event in honor of Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Mariela Castro, daughter of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, hugs an unidentified person before an event in honor of her mother Vilma Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro (C) talks to people after an event in honor of his wife Vilma Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro hugs Jose Ramon Machado Ventura (obscured), a member of the political bureau of the Central Committee of Cuba's Communist Party, during an event in honor of Castro's wife Vilma Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro (C) attends an event in honor of his wife Vilma Espin along with family members and members of the government at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Adalberto Roque/Pool (CUBA)

The audience looks at photographs of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro and Vilma Espin on their wedding day during the screening of a documentary on the life of Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Mariela Castro (L) and Colonel Alejandro Castro, children of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, talk before an event in honor of their mother Vilma Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Adalberto Roque/Pool (CUBA)

Mariela Castro (R) and Colonel Alejandro Castro, children of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, walk together before an event in honor of their mother Vilma Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Adalberto Roque/Pool (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro attends an event in honor of his wife Vilma Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Adalberto Roque/Pool (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro (L) sits next to his daughter Deborah Castro Espin (C) and granddaughter Vilma Dominguez Castro during an event in honor of his wife Vilma Espin at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana June 19, 2007. Vilma Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Adalberto Roque/Pool (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro (C) pays his last respects to his wife Vilma Espin along with others at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Ismael Francisco/Prensa Latina/Handout (CUBA)

Mariela Castro (R), daughter of Vilma Espin and Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, reacts while paying her last respects to her mother at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77.
REUTERS/Ismael Francisco/Prensa Latina/Handout (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro (2nd L) pays his last respects to his wife Vilma Espin along with others at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Ismael Francisco/Prensa Latina/Handout (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro (C) pays his last respects to his wife Vilma Espin along with others at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Ismael Francisco/Prensa Latina/Handout (CUBA)

Cuba's acting President Raul Castro (R) pays his last respects to his wife Vilma Espin along with others at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Ismael Francisco/Prensa Latina/Handout (CUBA)

Soldiers line up at the Jose Marti monument on Revolution Square to pay their last respects to Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Honor guards stand next to a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

People line up to enter the Jose Marti monument to pay their last respects to Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

People walk past a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, while paying their last respects at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Military personnel walk past a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, while paying their last respects at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

People walk past a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, while paying their last respects at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Honor guards stand next to a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

People walk past a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, while paying their last respects at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Soldiers line up at the Jose Marti monument on Revolution Square to pay their last respects to Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

An honor guard stands next to a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Foreign diplomats bow in front of a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, while paying their last respects at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

People pass a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, while paying their last respects at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

People pass a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, while paying their last respects at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

People pay their last respects to Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Military personnel walk past a photograph of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, to pay their respects at the Jose Marti monument in Havana June 19, 2007. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

The Cuban flag flies at halfmast in honor of Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, Havana June 19, 2007. Vilma Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Elderly women hold a minute's silence as they pay their respects to Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, as the Cuban flag stands at half mast in Havana June 19, 2007. Vilma Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Elderly women sing the national anthem as they pay their respects to Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, as the Cuban flag stands at half mast in Havana June 19, 2007. Vilma Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Elderly women applaud as they pay their respects to Vilma Espin, wife of Cuba's acting President Raul Castro, as the Cuban flag stands at half mast in Havana June 19, 2007. Vilma Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful women in Cuba's political leadership, died on Monday in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (CUBA)

Vilma Espin is assisted by her grandson during a meeting of the National Assembly in Havana in this September 1, 2005 file photo. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful woman in Cuba's political leadership, died on June 18, 2007 in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut/Files (CUBA)

Vilma Espin attends May Day celebrations on Havana's Revolution Square in this file photo from May 1, 2005. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful woman in Cuba's political leadership, died on June 18, 2007 in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut/Files (CUBA)

Vilma Espin attends a ceremony at Havana's Revolution Palace in this March 12, 2004 file photo. Espin, sister-in-law of convalescing Cuban leader Fidel Castro and one of the most powerful woman in Cuba's political leadership, died on June 18, 2007 in Havana. She was 77. REUTERS/Claudia Daut/Files (CUBA)

Cuban President Castro and members of parliament observe minute of silence for Hurricane Katrina victims in Havana. Cuban President Fidel Castro (front) and members of Cuban parliament Vilma Espin (L, rear), wife of Fidel's brother Raul Castro, and Roberto Fernandez Retamar observe a minute of silence for the victims of Hurricane Katrina during a parliamentary meeting in Havana September 1, 2005. "The news pained and saddened Cubans. In their name we wish to express our profound solidarity with the people of the United States, state and local authorities and the victims of this catastrophe," National Assembly speaker Ricardo Alarcon said. REUTERS/Claudia Daut

Cuban President Fidel Castro (L) and his brother Raul Castro, who is the No. 2 in the island's political hierarchy, stand together during an Aug 3 session of the National Assembly legislature. The parliament, which always backs Castro, [condemned U.S. President George W. Bush's] "cruel" policies on Cuba, and called for the release of five Cuban agents jailed in Miami on spy-related charges. Behind the Castros is Vilma Espin, wife of Raul Castro and president of the Cuban Women's Federation.

Cuban President Fidel Castro (L) and his brother Raul Castro, who is
the No. 2 in the island's political hierarchy, stand together during an
Aug 3 session of the National Assembly legislature. The parliament,
which always backs Castro, condemned U.S. President George W. Bush's
"cruel" policies on Cuba, and called for the release of five Cuban
agents jailed in Miami on spy-related charges. Behind the Castros is
Vilma Espin, wife of Raul Castro and president of the Cuban Women's
Federation.

AC/HK

Thousands of Cuban mothers and grandmothers march in front of the U.S. Interests office in Havana June 2, continuing their protests to demand the return of shipwrecked boy Elian Gonzalez. At center is Vilma Espin, President of the Cuban Federation of Women, flanked by the boy's grandmothers, Mariela Quintana (L) and Raquel Rodriguez (R).

RP/HB

Thousands of Cuban mothers and grandmothers march in front of the U.S. Interests office in Havana June 2, continuing their protests to demand the return of shipwrecked boy Elian Gonzalez. At center is Vilma Espin, President of the Cuban Federation of Women, flanked by the boy's grandmothers, Mariela Quintana (L) and Raquel Rodriguez (R).

RP/HB

Raul Castro's wife, Vilma Espin (C) waves a flag as she as she leads a march by thousands of Cubans along Havana's famed seafront Malecon promenade February 21. Thousands marched past the U.S. interest section in Havana to demand the return of six year old Elian Gonzalez who has been the centre of an international custody battle since he was rescued off the Florida coast last year. The march was also called in protest at the expulsion of an alleged spy from the Cuban embassy in Washington.

AW

FILE PHOTO 14JAN00 - Maria de la Quintana (L) and Raquel Rodriguez (R), grandmothers of Elian Gonzalez, are escorted by Fidel Castro's sister-in-law Vilma Espin in this January 14 file photo. The U.S. visas for the two grandmothers, Raquel Rodriguez and Mariela Garcia, were granted after they were requested by the office of Ricardo Alarcon, the president of Cuba's National Assembly and the Cuban government's main negotiator with the United States. A plane chartered by Dr Joan Brown Campbell, the former general secretary of the New York-based National Council of Churches, was expected to arrive in Havana later on Thursday.

HR/HB/JP

Maria de la Quintana (L) and Raquel Rodriguez (3rd-L), grandmothers of shipwrecked boy Elian Gonzalez, are escorted by Fidel Castro's sister-in-law Vilma Espin (2nd-L) and Elian's father's wife, Nelsy Carmenate (R), as they march past the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, during the "March of Combatant Mothers" to demand the repatriation of 6-year-old Elian. U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno appealed yesterday for Elian to be returned to his father in accordance with last week's Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) decision.

HR/HB

Cuban president Fidel Castro and Cuban Women Federation President Vilma Espin participate in a session September 13 of the National Assembly legislature which issused a vitriolic condemnation of the U.S. economic embargo.

AC

A Cuban court July 5 begins hearing witnesses in a $181 billion compensation claim brought by Cuba against the U.S. government for deaths and injuries allegedly caused by four decades of U.S. hostility against the communist-ruled island. The hearing was held in the Palace of the Revolution, the seat of Cuba's government. Vilma Espin, (second from right) the wife of Raul Castro, Defence Minister and brother of president Fidel Castro, was part of the audience in the courtroom.

RP/ME

Cuba's representative Vilma Lucila Espin de Castro, wife of Fidel Castro's brother Raul, addresses the audience during the VIII Conference of Wives of Heads of State and Government of the Americas in Santiago, September 28. Twenty-one first ladies and representatives are participating in the summit to seek solutions to social problems.

CD/SV/ME

Cuba's representative Vilma Lucila Espin de Castro, wife of Fidel Castro's brother Raul, addresses the audience during the VIII Conference of Wives of Heads of State and Government of the Americas in Santiago, September 28. Twenty-one first ladies and representatives are participating in the summit to seek solutions to social problems.

Cuban President Fidel Castro attends the inauguration of a mid-year session of the country's National Assembly July 21, with Vilma Espin, president of the Cuban Women's Federation sitting behind. Castro, who attacked the foreign media in comments to the assembly, was the subject of a weekend report in the Miami Herald newspaper alleging he had been treated for a potentially fatal brain disease. Cuban officials dismissed that report as "lies."

Cuban President Fidel Castro attends the inauguration of a mid-year session of the country's National Assembly July 21, with Vilma Espin, president of the Cuban Women's Federation sitting behind. Castro, who attacked the foreign media in comments to the assembly, was the subject of a weekend report in the Miami Herald newspaper alleging he had been treated for a potentially fatal brain disease. Cuban officials dismissed that report as " lies."