The Vatican has announced that the Pope's visit to Cuba will take place from January 21st to 26th. Pope John Paul will stay in Havana, flying to Santa Clara on January 22nd, Camaguey on the 23rd, and Santiago de Cuba on the 24th. His final Mass will take place on Plaza de la Revolution in Havana on January 25th.
Some see this papal visit as being as significant as his first visit to Poland. The Cuban authorities are hoping the Pope will forcefully condemn the US economic sanctions which are crippling the country and which he has already spoken out against. The Cuban Catholic Church leadership hopes the visit will lead to greater freedoms for religious practice in the country. At the moment citizens can attend religious services but processions have been prevented and access to the country's media is very restricted.
Meanwhile, the United States is making an exception to its ban on citizens visiting Cuba for the visit. A cruise ship will enable Cuban exiles to travel from Florida.