CNS PHOTO | MARIO ARMAS, REUTERS Carpenter Jose Ernesto Fernandez shows a carved arm piece of a chair to be used by Pope Benedict during his visit to Leon, Mexico. Fernandez said only the finest mahogany is being used.

Pope Benedict will meet with Cuban President Raul Castro, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and local bishops and Catholics when he visits Mexico and Cuba in late March.

The pope is scheduled to be in Leon, Mexico, March 23-26.

After flying to Cuba, he will be in Santiago de Cuba and Havana March 26-28.

Pope Benedict will celebrate three outdoor Masses, including one marking the 400th anniversary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, patroness of Cuba.