Havana, Cuba - I´m coming to visit you to share faith and hope, said Pope Francis in a video-message to the people of Cuba, aired by Cuban television.

His Holiness, the first Latin American Pope, stressed the impetus of Cubans in the face of everyday difficulties and said that his knowing of this makes him feel good.

I wish to send you fraternal greetings before we personally meet, he said and expressed his appreciation for the preparations for his visit.

I want to be among you as a missionary of mercy and he also encouraged Cubans to be missionaries of God´s love. He also said that he will visit the Shrine of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre as one more pilgrim, like a son wishing to come to his mom´s home.

During his stay in Cuba, Pope Francis will officiate mass at Havana´s Revolution Square, on September 20, also in eastern Holguin City the next day and at El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba on September 22.

Francis will pay a courtesy visit to President Raul Castro in Havana and will meet with priests, and religious people at Havana´s Cathedral.