Havana, September 19 (RHC-teleSUR).- Pope Francis departed for Cuba Saturday morning from Vatican City, to begin an historic visit to the island nation.

The Pope is expected to touch down in Havana mid afternoon to start a nine day tour of Cuba and the United States.

The Pontiff will be the third to visit the island nation, and is expected to be received by President Raul Castro when he arrives at Havana's Jose Marti International Airport.

Cuban state media has reported that preparations for the Pope's visit are already completed. 

During his visit, the pope is scheduled to hold mass on Sunday, followed by an official meeting with President Raul Castro, and possibly his predecessor Fidel Castro.

The visit comes during a historic time for Cuba, with the United States seeking to improve ties with the Caribbean nation.  Pope Francis himself has been one of the most prominent proponents of renewing ties between the two countries.