Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Padilla confirmed the visit of Pope Francis to the island nation next September. This comes after the Pope’s instrumental role in urging both the United States and Cuba to enter into a new phase in their relations. The Vatican had gained credibility with Cuba as a broker because of its lengthy opposition to the U.S. embargo, while maintaining positive relations with a series of U.S. administrations. Cuba expressed gratitude for the Pope’s impending visit. teleSUR