As tensions rise between Cuba and the United States, Pope Leo XIV has called all parties to “sincere and effective dialogue,” for the good of the Cuban people. Speaking at the Angelus on Sunday, the Pope expressed “great concern” over the situation.
“I join the message of the Cuban Bishops, inviting all those responsible to promote sincere and effective dialogue, in order to avoid violence and any action that could increase the suffering of the beloved Cuban people,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV prayed that the Blessed Virgin Mary may watch over all Cubans. “May Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre assist and protect all the children of that beloved land!”
On Jan. 31, the Catholic Bishops of Cuba issued a message “to all Cubans of good will,” voicing their concerns over the deepening economic, social, and humanitarian situation in the country.
MESSAGE FROM THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF CUBA TO ALL CUBANS OF GOOD WILL.
MESSAGE FROM THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF CUBA TO ALL CUBANS OF GOOD WILL.
By the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba / January 31, 2026
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba sends a message to all Cubans of good will, expressing their deep concern about the worsening social and economic situation in the country, and urging them to seek paths of dialogue and structural changes that will restore hope to the people.
A call to transform the national reality
In the text, the prelates recall that back in June, during the Jubilee Year under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope ,” they had already warned about the need to transform the national reality. Today, they point out, the crisis has intensified, with news such as the possible halt in oil supplies, which increases anxiety and the risk of social chaos. “Cuba needs changes, and they are increasingly urgent, but it needs absolutely no more anguish or pain,” the message emphasizes.
Remembering the words of Saint John Paul II
The bishops recalled the words of Saint John Paul II during his visit to the island in 1998, when he asked that the Cuban people not be deprived of ties with other nations, and noted that isolation has a particularly devastating impact on the most vulnerable. They also expressed their gratitude for the solidarity received after Hurricane Melissa struck in October, highlighting the support of the faithful, families, Caritas, and international organizations.
A call for dialogue, plurality and peace
The document insists that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, never through coercion or violence, and calls for an environment of pluralism and respect within the country. “Let the world open itself to Cuba, but let Cuba open itself to its own people, without exclusions,” they affirm, quoting Martí and appealing for the construction of a homeland “with all and for the good of all.”
The Church's commitment to the Cuban people
Finally, the bishops reiterate the Church's commitment to accompany the Cuban people in prayer, service to the poor, and the promotion of peace. They invoke Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre so that, through her intercession, "the hour of love" may arrive and reason and wisdom may prevail over threats and discord.
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba sends a message to all Cubans of good will, expressing their deep concern about the worsening social and economic situation in the country, and urging them to seek paths of dialogue and structural changes that will restore hope to the people.
A call to transform the national reality
In the text, the prelates recall that back in June, during the Jubilee Year under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope ,” they had already warned about the need to transform the national reality. Today, they point out, the crisis has intensified, with news such as the possible halt in oil supplies, which increases anxiety and the risk of social chaos. “Cuba needs changes, and they are increasingly urgent, but it needs absolutely no more anguish or pain,” the message emphasizes.
Remembering the words of Saint John Paul II
The bishops recalled the words of Saint John Paul II during his visit to the island in 1998, when he asked that the Cuban people not be deprived of ties with other nations, and noted that isolation has a particularly devastating impact on the most vulnerable. They also expressed their gratitude for the solidarity received after Hurricane Melissa struck in October, highlighting the support of the faithful, families, Caritas, and international organizations.
A call for dialogue, plurality and peace
The document insists that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, never through coercion or violence, and calls for an environment of pluralism and respect within the country. “Let the world open itself to Cuba, but let Cuba open itself to its own people, without exclusions,” they affirm, quoting Martí and appealing for the construction of a homeland “with all and for the good of all.”
The Church's commitment to the Cuban people
Finally, the bishops reiterate the Church's commitment to accompany the Cuban people in prayer, service to the poor, and the promotion of peace. They invoke Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre so that, through her intercession, "the hour of love" may arrive and reason and wisdom may prevail over threats and discord.
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