March 23, 2012. (Romereports.com) On the morning of Friday March 23, the pope will depart from Rome's Fiumicino Airport on a 14 hour flight to Leon, Mexico.

It's the beginning of his week long journey that will also include a visit to the island of Cuba. ROME REPORTS will be following the pope on his different meetings and encounters with the Mexican and Cuban people.



Upon arrival in Mexico, he will be greeted by the Mexican President Felipe Calderón along with a local Mariachi band.

Then in Cuba, he will be greeted by President Raul Castro. It's still not clear whether there will be a meeting with his brother Fidel.

After touring Cuba, Benedict XVI will fly back to Rome on March 29. Throughout that time ROME REPORTS will be providing daily updates as well as breaking news on facebook and twitter.

Also following the coverage will be the Vatican's own news service at the website news.va, as well as it's radio service Vatican Radio.

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