Americas News
Pope announces he will travel to Cuba and Mexico in early 2012
Dec 12, 2011, 18:20 GMT
Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI on Monday announced he is planning a visit to Cuba and Mexico early next year, his first to the two countries since his election as pontiff in 2005.
'I intend to embark upon an apostolic visit before Easter to Mexico and Cuba to proclaim the Word of Christ,' Benedict said during a special mass for Latin America celebrated in St Peter's Basilica.
The pontiff, referring to the upcoming visit, said he is 'certain that this is a precious time for evangelization with a rich faith, a vivid hope and an ardent charity.'
Next Easter falls on April 8 and, according to Italian media reports, the pontiff's trip is likely to take place between March 23 and 28.
Last month, papal sopkesman Federici Lombardi said the 84-year-old Benedict was considering a visit to the two countries in early 2012.
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