Three days before his anticipated Apostolic Visit to Cuba and the United States, Pope Francis has asked for prayers, saying that it is a “mission to which I set out with great hope.”
The Holy Father will depart for Cuba this Saturday and will then make his way to the United States for the 8th World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. He will also address a joint session of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., as well as the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“I greet with affection the Cuban people and those of the United States who, guided by their Pastors, have prepared themselves spiritually,” the Pope said.
“I ask everyone to accompany me with their prayer, invoking the light and strength of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of Mary Most Holy, Patroness of Cuba as Our Lady of Charity, and Patroness of the United States of America as the Immaculate Conception.”
