Cuba May Receive the Pope in 2012

HAVANA TIMES, Nov. 10 — Pope Benedicto XVI wants to Visit Cuba and Mexico in the Spring of 2012, IPS reported on Thursday, citing Vatican sources.

The announcement comes at a time when relations are at a high point between the Cuban government and the Catholic Church.

Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi recalled the visit of John Paul II to Cuba in January 1998, and the impact that had,  “as the church and the entire people lived an important moment in history.”

The visit would coincide with the 400th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, the patron saint of Cuba, noted IPS.