Pope confirms trip to Cuba, Mexico before Easter

Pope Benedict XVI says he hopes to travel to Cuba and Mexico sometime before Easter and wants to strengthen the faith and encourage Catholics there to seek love, justice and hope.

Benedict confirmed his travel plans during a Mass on Monday honoring Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe.

In his homily, the 84-year-old pope said he hoped his trip would help build a society “rooted in the development of the common good, the triumph of love and the spread of justice.”

He said this was “a precious time to evangelize with a solid faith, a lively hope and ardent charity.”

Pope John Paul II made historic trips to both Cuba and Mexico during his pontificate.