Pope Benedict XVI said on Monday he will travel to Cuba and Mexico in March next year for a keenly-awaited visit, confirming previous reports from Vatican officials.

The 84-year-old pope, who travelled to Brazil in 2007, made the announcement during a special mass for Latin America in the Vatican.

"Supported by divine providence, I intend to carry out an apostolic voyage before Easter to Mexico and Cuba to proclaim the word of Christ," the pope said during his homily in Saint Peter's basilica.

The pope's announcement was greeted by applause in the basilica.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said last month that the pope was planning the visit, which will come on the 400-year anniversary of the Virgin of Charity -- the patroness of communist-ruled Cuba.

John Paul II made a historic visit to Cuba in 1998.