Apostolic Journey to Mexico and the Republic of Cuba, 23-29 March 2012
ShareApostolic Journey to Mexico and the Republic of Cuba
23-29 March 2012
Pope Benedict XVI
In-flight Interview
Having departed Friday morning, 23 March 2012, from Leonardo Da Vinci international airport, the Holy Father gave a press conference in flight, answering questions put to him by journalists through Fr Lombardi, Director of the Vatican Press Office.
Welcome Ceremony at the International Airport of Guanajuato (León)
On Friday afternoon, 23 March 2012, the Holy Father was received at the international airport of Guanajuato (Silao area), Mexico, where he thanked President Felipe Calderón for his warm welcome, and expressed his desire to confirm the Mexican people in their faith.
Greeting to the children gathered at Plaza de la Paz in Guanajuato (León)
On Saturday evening, 24 March 2012, the Holy Father greeted the children, gathered in the Plaza de la Paz in Guanajuato, to whom he spoke of the yearning in all hearts for peace.
Holy Mass celebrated at the "Parque del Bicentenario" (León)
On Sunday morning, 25 March 2012, the Holy Father celebrated the Holy Mass of the Fifth Sunday of Lent at the Parque del Bicentenario in Guanajuato.
Recitation of the Angelus Domini (León)
After Mass at the Parque del Bicentenario spoke these words before leading the faithful present in praying the Angelus.
Vespers with the Bishops of Mexico and Latin America in the Cathedral of Our Most Holy Mother of Light (León)
Sunday evening, 25 March 2012, the Holy Father celebrated Vespers with the Bishops of Mexico and Latin America in the Cathedral of Our Most Holy Mother of Light (León). In his homily, the Pope spoke of the self-sacrificing missionaries who first proclaimed the Name of Christ to the peoples of this continent.
Farewell Ceremony at the International Airport of Guanajuato
Welcome Ceremony at Antonio Maceo International Airport of Santiago de Cuba
Holy Mass on the 400th anniversary of the the discovery of the image of the "Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre" at Antonio Maceo Square (Santiago de Cuba)
On Monday afternoon, 26 March 2012, the Holy Father celebrated the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, on the occasion of the fourthcentenaryof the discoveryof thestatue ofVirgende laCaridaddel Cobre.
Visit to the Shrine of the "Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre"
On Tuesday morning, 27 March 2012, the Holy Father visited the house of the statue of Our Lady of Charity, where he entrusted to her the future of their countryand encouraged them to build their lives on Christ, following the the Virgin's example.
Holy Mass in the "Plaza de la Revolución, Havana, Cuba
As the last major event of his apostolic jounrey to Cuba, the Holy Father celebrated Mass in the Plaza of the Revolution in the Cuban capital.
Farewell Ceremony at José Martí International Airport, Havana, Cuba
The Holy Father concluded his apostolic journey to Cuba with some reflections on his visit.
