Havana, August 12 (RHC)-- During his visit to Cuba, from September 19th to the 22nd, Pope Francis will officiate his first Mass at the emblematic Revolution Square in Havana, where preparations are well underway, including the setting up of a wooden and iron altar, platforms for the press and space for 4,000 guests.

Pope Francis is the third pope to visit Cuba over the past 17 years, after John Paul II, in January 1998, and Benedict XVI in March 2012.

The Holy Father will meet with President Raul Castro after the Havana mass and will also visit the Cathedral of Havana.

On September 21st, the Pope will travel to the eastern cities of Holguin and Santiago de Cuba. He will also visit the Shrine of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba's Patron Saint, and will meet with Cuban families.

After visiting Cuba, Pope Francis will head for the United States where he will meet with President Barack Obama on September 23rd and will tour the cities of New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.