Cuba will pardon 3,522 prisoners before Pope Francis visits

The Cuban government will pardon 3,522 prisoners ahead of Pope Francis' upcoming visit, the state-run online news outlet reported.

The announcement late Thursday follows similar prisoner releases before trips to the island by Pope John Paul II in 1998 and Pope Benedict in 2012. The pardons also come after Cuba released 53 political prisoners as part of the historic deal in December to re-establish diplomatic relations with the United States.

"This is the largest release of prisoners on the Island since 1959, and it is safe to say that this would not be happening if not for the Holy Father's role in changing U.S.-Cuba relations, and the progress that has been made since," said Ric Herrero, executive director of #CubaNow, a U.S. group that has backed the opening of relations with the island.

The release of prisoners includes people over the age 60 and under 20, those with chronic health problems, woman and others whose terms were set to be completed in 2016, according to the Granma website. Prisoners who have been convicted of murder, corruption of minors and other violent offenses will not be included. Herrero said political prisoners will not be included either.

The news outlet reported that the releases would be completed within 72 hours. If completed in time, the prisoners will be back on the streets in time for Pope Francis' visit, which starts on Sept. 19.

During his four-day trip, the pope is scheduled to speak in the Havana, Holguín and Santiago before he begins his U.S. tour.