Havana, September 18 (RHC)-- Over 1,000 foreign reporters and correspondents, both with temporary visas and those permanently accredited here in Havana, will cover the visit of Pope Francis to the island.

The Director of Media and Communications at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Alejandro Gonzalez, said Thursday in Havana that the journalists represent 22 media outlets from 31 countries. Another 300 Cuban reporters are also accredited for the visit of Pope Francis.

Alejandro Gonzalez inaugurated the Press Room set up at Havana's Hotel Nacional and said that another two similar facilities are prepared in the two eastern cities where the Pope will visit -- Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.

The press rooms have on all necessary technology, including Internet connections and TV transmission equipment for the reporters to do their job, said the official. And he announced a new website dedicated to the Papal visit: www.papafranciscoencuba.cubaminrex.cu.