On Friday March 23, Benedict XVI will begin his 23rd international trip. Over the course of one week, he will visit Mexico and then Cuba. At 9:30 in the morning his plane will depart from Rome's Fiumicino Airport. During the 14 hour flight, the pope will meet with the press to discuss the trip.

At 4:30 in the afternoon, he will arrive in Leon, Mexico, located in the central state of Guanajuato. He will be received by President Felipe Calderón, along with a mariachi band. Thousands of people are expected to be lining the road as the pope will then travel to the residence of the school of Miraflores.

Federico Lombardi
Vatican Spokesperson
“I imagine, the Mexican people will be out along the streets, welcoming the Pope. It will surely be a great part of the first day.”

On Saturday, the schedule will allow him to recover from jet lag, with no meetings until 6 pm.At that time, he will visit with the Mexican President and his family in the public building of Casa del Conde Rul.

There will then be a meeting with local children in the town's Plaza of Peace.

On Sunday March 25, the pope will celebrate Mass in the symbolic Bicentennial Park, in the city of León, at the foot of the Cubilete mountain.

In the afternoon, he will meet with the bishops of Mexico and Latin America in the cathedral of León.

Federico Lombardi
Vatican Spokesperson
“All the presidents of the Episcopal conferences of Latin America are invited as well.  Mexican bishops have also invited representatives from Canada and the United States.”

On Monday March 26, Benedict XVI say good-bye to Mexico. Departing at 9:30 am for Santiago de Cuba, where he will be welcomed by Raul Castro and will celebrate Mass on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the island's patron saint, Our Lady of Charity. The pope will stay at the residence of shrine's priest, which has been preparing for his visit.

On Tuesday the 27th, the pope will then fly to Havana, where he will meet again with President Raul Castro and other members of his family, which will likely include his brother Fidel. He will also meet with the bishops of Cuba, and then remain that night in the nunciature.

On Wednesday the 28th, the pope will celebrate Mass at the Revolution Square, close to the famous image of Che Guevara. In the afternoon, there will be a farewell ceremony at the airport, before a twelve-hour flight back to Rome.

Source: Rome Reports