In the final days before he departs for his much anticipated North American voyage, Pope Francis is asking the faithful around the world to accompany him with prayer.
“Next Saturday I will depart for an Apostolic Voyage to Cuba and the United States of America, a mission to which I am going with great hope,” the pope said during his Wednesday audience.
“The principle reason for the Voyage is the Eighth World Meeting of Families, which will take place in Philadelphia. I will also be going to the central headquarters of the United Nations on the 70th anniversary of its institution. Even now I greet with affection the Cuban and American people, who, guided by their pastors, are spiritually prepared. I ask everyone to accompany me with prayer, invoking the light and strength of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of Mary Most Holy, Patroness of Cuba as the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, and Patroness of the United States of America as the Immaculate Conception.”
According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis leaves on Saturday for Cuba where he will begin a long and complex journey.
He will be the third pope to visit Cuba, following Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Saint John Paul II. His visit to that country will include an open-air Mass in Havana where he will give First Communion to five children. Although it is not included in the official papal program, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said he could not rule out a meeting between Pope and Cuba’s former president, Fidel Castro.
Upon leaving Cuba on Tuesday, September 22, he will fly to Washington DC where he will be greeted at the airport by President Barack Obama. An official welcoming ceremony for him will take place at the White House the following day. During his stay in the capital, he will preside over the canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra who helped evangelize the U.S. during the 18th century. The following day, September 24, he will become the first Pope to address a joint session of Congress.
On September 25 he will travel to New York City where he will address the United Nations and visit Ground Zero.
The final leg of his journey will bring him to the city of Philadelphia for the Eighth World Meeting of Families, culminating in an outdoor Papal Mass that is expected to draw millions.
Throughout the journey, Father Lombardi says the Pope will be paying particular attention to the poor, to prisoners, and to charitable initiatives.
Also during this time he will deliver a total of 26 speeches – eight in Cuba and 18 in the U.S. of which four will be in English and the rest in his native Spanish.
He is expected to return to Rome in the early morning hours of Monday, September 28.
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