Pope Francis Considering Stop In Cuba During U.S. Trip

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is considering adding a stop in Cuba to his U.S. trip in September but that no decision has been made.

Francis has been credited with having helped the United States and Cuba reach their historic rapprochement by writing to the leaders of both countries and having the Vatican host their delegations for the final negotiations.

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said Francis "is considering the idea of a Cuba leg" but that discussions with Cuba are at an early stage. He said it's too early to say that a decision has been taken or that there is an operational plan under way.

The possibility of a Cuban stop was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, visited Cuba in 2012 and demanded more freedom for the church. "Cuba and the world need change, but this will occur only if each one is in a position to seek the truth and chooses the way of love, sowing reconciliation and fraternity," Benedict said.

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