Havana, Cuba, Dec 9, 2011 / 12:05 pm
The bishops of Cuba confirmed on Dec. 8 that Pope Benedict XVI will visit the country in 2012.
The Pope “wants to visit our country as a ‘Pilgrim of Charity’ to accompany us and confirm the faith of the Cuban people,” the bishops said in their announcement.
Although the exact dates have not yet be set, Cardinal Jaime Ortega of Havana said the visit could take place during the second half of March.
During a press conference on Thursday, bishops' conference secretary Bishop Jose Felix Perez said the Pope will announce the schedule of his visit at a Dec. 12 Mass in Rome commemorating the bicentennials of Latin American countries.