Pope Francis Sends Greetings to the Cuban People

HAVANA, Cuba, Sep 16 (acn) Pope Francis warmly greeted the Cuban people during Wednesday's general audience at the Vatican, while referring to the visit he will pay to the island starting from Saturday, September 19.

"I greet with affection the peoples of Cuba and the U.S.," said the Supreme Pontiff, Vatican Radio reported.
He added that on Saturday he will start his apostolic trip to Cuba and the United States, a mission for which he said he was ready "with great hope." "I ask everyone to accompany me in prayer," said His Holiness.
He recalled his international apostolic trip to Cuba on September 19-22 and from that date to the 28th of this month to the United States, and explained that the main reason for his trip to the northern nation is the 8th World Meeting of Families, which will take place in Philadelphia. He also confirmed he will go to the headquarters of the United Nations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of that organization.
During his stay in Cuba, the Bishop of Rome will officiate Mass at Havana's Jose Marti Revolution Square, scheduled for September 20, another one the following day in Holguin, and the last one on September 22 at the Minor Basilica of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre Sanctuary, in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba.
On the 20th, the Pope will pay a courtesy visit to Army General Raul Castro, President of the councils of State and Ministers; and later, in the Cathedral of Havana, he will preside over the Vespers prayer, at half past five p.m., to be attended by priests, religious persons and seminarians from around the country.
This event includes in Havana, also that Sunday, greetings to young people who want to meet with Pope Francis outside the Father Felix Varela Cultural Center, formerly the San Carlos and San Ambrosio Seminar, at Tacón, between Chacon and Mercaderes streets.