He explained that he will thank Our Lady for her concern for her Cuban children and ask her "to guide the future of this beloved nation in the ways of justice, peace, freedom and reconciliation."
"I come to Cuba as a pilgrim of charity, to confirm my brothers and sisters in the faith and strengthen them in the hope which is born of the presence of God's love in our lives," he said.
Pope Benedict observed that many parts of the world are experiencing economic difficulties that can be regarded "as part of a profound spiritual and moral crisis."
Lacking values, humanity has been left "defenseless before the ambition and selfishness of certain powers which take little account of the true good of individuals and families," he said.
"We can no longer continue in the same cultural and moral direction which has caused the painful situation that many suffer," the Pope warned.
Many are realizing that "the rebirth of society demands upright men and women of firm moral convictions," he said, observing the need for "noble and strong values" that will resist manipulation, as well as a strong respect for "the unchanging and transcendent nature of the human person."
The Pope emphasized that the Catholic Church remains committed to serving Cubans "at this moment of particular importance in its history."
Through her pastoral mission and the cultivation of "the fine patrimony of spiritual and moral values which fashioned the nation's true identity," the Church can aid Cuba in its efforts "to renew and broaden its horizons," he said.
Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic News Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political philosophy and journalism at the University of Dallas.