November 10, 2011. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI may visit Mexico and Cuba in the spring. This was confirmed by the Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi.


Federico Lombardi
Vatican spokesman
“The nuncios in Mexico and Cuba have been responsible for notifying the ecclesial and civil authorities of these countries that the pope is considering for a specific project to travel to these two countries, he's responding to invitations he has received on several occasions.”

The trip is a response to the invitations that Benedict XVI has received on several occasions to visit Mexico and Cuba.

The pope had spoke of trips to Mexico in the past, but this will be his first actual trip to the country. The visit to Cuba has been a personal desire of the pope, especially after the opening of the Raul Castro regime.

Lombardi has said it will be a trip with few events but a long trip nonetheless. Benedict XVI will not visit Mexico City but rather a coastal city for health reasons because Mexico City is located 7000 feet above sea level.

According to the Vatican spokesman, the trip is to relaunch the continental mission and celebrate the Year of Faith.