The Cuban government has launched a website for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the island in September. The site also reveals the logo of the Holy Father’s visit.
The logo, which is inspired by the image of Divine Mercy, “forms part of the liturgical program and the message the Pope will bring to Cuba,” the website reports.
The symbolic elements of the logo feature are a hand, a cross and a white star in various colors. The elements identify with the themes of mercy and love. Along with the cross, “the gesture of the hand is associated with the greeting and ritual gestures of the Catholic religion. It also transmits humanism and brotherhood” the site explains.
“The colors of our flag are present together with a single star that indicates its national character.”
Pope Francis will arrive in Havana on September 19th. From there, he will travel to the city of Holguín. Finally, the Pope will go to Santiago de Cuba, where he will visit the Basilica of El Cobre, which houses the statue of Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of Cuba. The 78-year-old Pontiff will then depart for his Apostolic Visit to the United States on September 22nd.
The Shrine has been visited by both St. John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
