CHICAGO (STMW)  -- Cardinal Francis George is preparing for a trip to Cuba later this month.

The pastoral visit is awaiting permission from the U.S. and Cuban governments, the Archdiocese of Chicago said Monday.

Archbishop Dionisio Garcia Ibanez of Santiago, Cuba, extended the invitation after his 2009 visit to Chicago, archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Burritt said.

George plans to fly to Santiago on June 23 and return June 24.

The trip will include a visit to the national shrine of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre, a mass at the Basilica and liturgical celebrations and visits to small Cuban faith communities.