Pope Francis plans to visit Cuba in September ahead of a scheduled visit to the United States.
He would become the third pope to visit the communist island nation.
Vatican officials say Pope Francis played a key diplomatic role in helping the United States and Cuba normalize relations, hosting delegations from the two countries last year.
In the U.S., Pope Francis will address Congress and meet with President Barack Obama, rounding off his trip with a visit to the United Nations in New York City and attending a church rally for families in Philadelphia.