Havana Setting Up Stage For Papal Mass In March

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba has begun erecting a huge stage in Havana’s Plaza of the Revolution where Pope Benedict XVI plans to celebrate Mass next month.

Architect Luis Manuel Perez is in charge of the project. He says workers are constructing the main staircase and the dais where the pontiff will conduct the ceremony.

The altar will face out toward the sprawling plaza and a massive rendering of guerrilla Ernesto “Che” Guevara on the side of a government building.

Perez says preparations began last week but workers are only now beginning to put in place the metal support structure.

He said Monday that the project is being coordinated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Havana.

Benedict is scheduled to be in Cuba March 26-28.