Pope confirms trip to Cuba and Mexico

Kris Dmytrenko

December 13, 2011
Benedict XVI included a big announcement in his homily on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but it was hardly a surprise. For weeks, journalists had speculated that plans for a trip Mexico and Cuba would be unveiled at the special Mass for Latin America. The bishops of Cuba had essentially confirmed the trip themselves on Thursday.
The Pope's announcement was short on details -- no dates or itinerary were declared, apart from his intention to visit the two countries before Easter. However, he revealed that his goal is to show Latin America that now is the time for the New Evangelization. He entrusted the planning of the trip to the "Star of the New Evangelization", Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Holy Father's homily can be viewed at the 0:49:20 mark.