Pope Leo joins Cuban Bishops calling for dialogue with US

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Source: Vatican Media

Amid a rise in tension 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 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 Saturday, 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.

"Cuba needs changes, and they are increasingly urgent, but it does not need any more anguish or pain," wrote the Bishops. "No more blood and no more mourning in Cuban families. We have had too much of that in our recent history!"

The Cuban Bishops said they long for a "renewed, prosperous, and happy Cuba," though they added that it cannot come at the cost of increased suffering.

They noted the imposition of US tariffs on countries that export oil, saying that "the risk of social chaos is real."

"The unchanging position of the Pope and of the Holy See, consistent with International Law," said the Bishops, "is that governments should be able to resolve their disagreements and conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, not coercion or war."

However, they noted, "respect for the dignity and the exercise of the freedom of each human being within one's own nation cannot be subordinated or conditioned by the variables of external conflicts."

Cuba's Bishops called for "an environment of healthy plurality and mutual respect" within Cuba, since these factors directly contribute to fruitful exchange at an international level.

In conclusion, the Bishops pledged the local Catholic Church's efforts to continue accompanying the Cuban people by inviting everyone to conversion, proclaiming the Gospel, and serving all those in need.