Pope Francis could visit Cuba in September, Vatican says
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Version 0 of 1. Pope Francis could visit Cuba when he comes west in September, the Vatican has said. The Pope already is scheduled to visit the US in September and the Rev. Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, said a stop in Cuba is being discussed, according to USA Today. The spokesman said that no decision has been made. The two previous popes – Benedict XVI and Saint John Paul II – both visited Cuba. Pope Benedict made the trip in 2012 and Pope John Paul visited in 1998. A trip to the communist Caribbean island for Pope Francis could come at a historic time, as the US and Cuba are closer to restoring diplomatic relations than they have been in more than 50 years. Pope Francis has been credited with helping the leaders from the two countries bridge their half-century divide. If the pope decides to visit Cuba, it could happen either before or after his US trip. Pope Francis will make his first visit to the White House on 23 September, where he will meet with President Barack Obama Prior to the White House invite, Francis will speak before the annual UN General Assembly on 25 September and address a joint session of Congress on 24 September. It will be the first time the pope has ever addressed congress, Fox News reported. During his visit, Pope Francis will also visit New York City and Philadelphia, and has left open the possibility of a visit to Boston.
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